Pallacanestro Varese Unveils 2026/2027 Roster and Season Ambitions

General managers Maksim Horowitz and Zachary Sogolow were joined by head coach Giannis Kastritis to address local media on the eve of the new campaign. The leadership group detailed a busy summer transfer market designed specifically to address the weaknesses that plagued the club during the previous year.

According to Coach Kastritis, the club’s leadership worked closely to deliver a deep and versatile roster capable of managing a demanding dual-front schedule that includes both the domestic Italian league (LBA) and the Basketball Champions League (BCL).

“It’s been an intense and productive summer,” Kastritis said. “I want to first thank the owners who provided the resources to put the team together, and all of the management for the work done over the summer. I must say I am very satisfied with the roster and the players we have brought in. We are very satisfied and optimistic for the coming season.”

Addressing Roster Deficiencies and Building Depth

Varese’s front office spent the offseason reviewing statistical shortcomings from the previous campaign, focusing heavily on metrics related to rebounding, assists, and steals. According to management, the club monitored more than 100 players globally before finalizing five new roster additions.

Kastritis explained that the team prioritized retaining core players who understood the tactical system while widening the overall rotation to protect against injuries. The club targeted versatile athletes who can handle the physical demands of playing multiple games per week.

Among the key acquisitions is point guard Will McDowell White. Kastritis noted that the playmaker was an immediate target once he became available on the transfer market.

“When he was available on the market, it was our first choice, given that he adds physicality, size, and the ability to score from the outside,” Kastritis said. “He also brings European experience and great versatility, so it wasn’t just a defensive choice, but an offensive one as well.”

Financial Growth and Investor Support

Addressing questions regarding the club’s increased market spending, General Managers Horowitz and Sogolow explained that the budget expansion stems directly from a multi-year organizational turnaround rather than a single sudden influx of capital.

“The reality is that this budget comes from the work we have done in these past three years,” Horowitz and Sogolow stated. “This summer we signed several players and streamlined processes. Through hard work, we found investors who help us push toward our objective, and this year we hope to have the chance to raise the level even further.”

Management clarified that the funding is provided by current investors who have maintained their loyalty to the project over recent seasons. The club’s strategy also heavily emphasizes youth development and long-term asset stabilization, with leadership noting the successful retention of players such as Guglielmo Alviti to foster continuity.

Ticket sales have responded favorably to the summer moves, with club officials reporting robust numbers for the ongoing season-ticket campaign and strong early enthusiasm from the fan base.

Next Checkpoint and Competitive Outlook

With pre-season preparations concluding, Varese turns its focus toward the official tip-off of competitive fixtures in the coming days. The club enters the new season maintaining that expectations remain focused on daily internal growth rather than external pressure.

“Our goal is to grow day by day, both on and off the court,” Kastritis said. “The Basketball Champions League is a high-level European competition, just as the Italian Championship is one of the most competitive in Europe.”