Ettore Messina on Nikola Mirotic: His arrival is a great thing and a gesture of love from the owner

Ettore Messina has entrusted his first words to Massimo Pisa of Repubblica regarding the big summer signing for Olimpia Milano, Nikola Mirotic.

“He matured a lot during his loan year at Palencia, so at 19 he made it into the starting lineup in a team that already had Llull, Tomic, and Chacho Rodriguez. His arrival is a great thing and a gesture of love from the owner for the club, a signal and a stimulus for everyone: we’re raising the bar with an addition of such talent and personality.”

A first tactical intent also emerges: “I haven’t forgotten that I recently lost Gigi Datome: I’ll try Nikola also at the small forward position, where he has already played in the NBA and at Barcelona.”

Now, the focus switches to the red and white roster, which is very well-equipped in terms of centers: “Too many? I don’t think so, let’s not forget that several of them will play in the World Cup and will need to rest. In any case, if our opponents adapt to our size it won’t be a bad thing. We’ve added depth and athleticism among the point guards with Flaccadori and Maodo Lo, from whom I expect great things.”