Alex Mumbru has officially introduced himself as Virtus Bologna’s new head coach. During a lengthy press conference at the Savoia Hotel Regency, published in full by BolognaBasket, the Catalan coach discussed the team’s identity, objectives and the players expected to lead the Black V’s new cycle.
“It is an honor to be here at one of the most historic clubs in basketball. Everyone knows Virtus,” Mumbru began. “I knew what it meant to be in a place like this as a player, and now I am beginning to discover it as a coach. We have many new players who need to understand what has to be done, with the goal of improving every day.”
His first promise concerned the team’s attitude. “One of our first ideas was clear: the fans must be proud of the way we fight. We want to play good defense, compete, recover the ball and run. We must avoid doing stupid things on offense and play as a team without forcing mistakes.” Rebounding will also be central: “We must run even after allowing a basket and pay attention to offensive rebounds. In modern basketball, teams also win through that control.”
Mumbru named Aito Garcia Reneses as his main coaching influence. “I learned many things from him. He is one of the best coaches in Europe. In today’s basketball everyone wants to play fast and switch frequently. The players enjoy it more, and that is how we tried to build this team.” Virtus could resemble Paris Basketball, although Mumbru identified an important difference: “When Splitter arrived, Paris already had several players who had been together for some time. We are a young team and will need to go through a growth process. Playing fast cannot be something we only talk about; we must work to achieve it.”
The coach emphasized how early the project remains. “I have been here for 10 days and we have practiced together for only six or seven. We are not even complete because Kevin Kokila is injured. However, we know how this team can win and how it wants to play. Our style and the way we approach games must be very clear.”
Virtus will not rely on a single offensive leader. “If we believed we had only one go-to guy, we could have a problem. That is not the case. It could be Trent Frazier, Wendell Moore, Marcus Carr, Derrick Alston or Kessler Edwards. Sometimes we will give the ball to whoever is hottest. The fundamental thing is that everyone clearly understands his role.” On Edwards, he added: “He can play both the three and the four. He is an excellent shooter and a very athletic player. He is quiet, but we believe in him and I am not worried at all.”
Aliou Diarra, meanwhile, will primarily be used at center. “Playing him at the four would be a little difficult. He could do it defensively because of his speed, but offensively he must create space for our shooters because this team wants to take a lot of threes. He is not a giant like Tavares, but he is one of the fastest big men running up and down the floor, and that will help us at the five.”
Defense remains the foundation. “We cannot think only about wins and losses, but about the process. If the players give 100 percent and fight for every ball, the fans should be proud. In our last game, especially in the second half, we forced the opposition into several possessions without getting a shot off before the 24-second clock expired. That is an important starting point: defending and then trying to run.”
Mumbru did not hide the desire to win, but asked for time. “Virtus won the championship two years ago, but Hackett is the only player remaining from that team. It is normal for the fans to want to win, and we want the same, but we are building for the future. Players and coaches come and go, Virtus remains. There are highs and lows in sports and you cannot always win. The important thing is always doing your best.”
Team chemistry will be just as important. “It is something people do not discuss often, and it can be destroyed in an instant. Building a good group is fundamental. I am quite a demanding coach on the court because discipline is necessary. Away from the court, we talk and suffer together. Mutual support is what matters.”
Finally, Mumbru discussed Alston and Hackett. “Derrick can play at the three and the four. He knows Virtus and I am happy to coach him. He played hard defense in our last game, and that is exactly what we want.” On his captain, he added: “Hackett represents our values. It is like having a Ferrari in the garage that must be looked after. He explains to his teammates what Virtus means and will be very important.”
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