Luca Banchi: We have to protect the players. This format does not protect them

During the post-Valencia Virtus Bologna press conference, coach Luca Banchi also commented on the international calendar.

“I believe that the outcome of this window has served to give everyone a few pointers. Firstly, the willingness of players to help their national teams achieve important goals such as qualifying for Eurobasket 2025. Most of these great champions play away from home, so the opportunity to represent the nation allows them to show their sense of belonging.

“However, we also understand the logic of the respect that must be shown to athletes who play such a high number of games in a calendar that allows no rest and exposes them to a very high risk of injury. They are the players, the reason why so many spectators fill the stadiums. We have to protect them and this format, in my humble opinion, does not protect them. Nor does it protect the quality of the game. If we want to sell a high-profile product, there have to be certain ratings. For me, this format does not work.