Olimpia Milano sporting director Daniele Baiesi spoke during Luca Banchi’s introductory press conference, alongside general manager Christos Stavropoulos. Several topics were addressed, from team discipline and Moses Wright to the transfer market, Devin Booker’s injury and Armoni Brooks’ departure.
Moses Wright’s lateness and team discipline
“We had a lateness issue on the very day a new coach was being announced, ahead of an important game, following the dismissal of the previous coach. We come to practice every day to build habits, as Devon Hall once said in the locker room. If this is the habit we have created, then clearly we’ve done something wrong…”
Baiesi did not hide the seriousness of the incident: “People rightly talk about a sense of urgency. If this is what one of our players demonstrates, then clearly we’ve done something wrong. A measure was taken yesterday, and I think it was absolutely justified. Further measures will be taken if necessary.”
“The problem is not the lateness itself, which can also be caused by traffic, although on a Sunday afternoon that seems difficult to me. It is something deeper. Ramondino was right to leave Wright on the bench and give minutes to players who hadn’t had them during the player’s recent, let’s say, disappointing performances.”
Olimpia’s problems and the transfer market
“If you allow your opponents to grab 41 offensive rebounds in two games, you don’t solve the problem by signing a 6-foot-1 guard who can score.”
The sporting director urged everyone to look beyond individual players: “The transfer market is one of the solutions when problems are clear, identified and addressed. If it has to become the solution to a situation like this, then clearly we haven’t correctly identified the areas that need addressing.”
“The unsatisfactory performances have been widespread across the roster. There is something deeper than a single situation. There are several areas that need to be addressed.”
Luca Banchi’s expectations
“My grandfather used to say that you can straighten a tree while it is still young. Once it has grown crooked, it is difficult to straighten it.”
“This is not about reprimanding players. It is about demanding certain standards. Luca Banchi spoke about emotional involvement. Some players have shown a lack of connection in this respect, and it has been a prolonged issue. That is what is being asked and demanded, using the tools available to a club and its coaching staff.”
Devin Booker: recovery timeline still uncertain
“Booker suffered a muscle-tendon injury. There is no definitive prognosis yet because it can be treated either surgically or with conservative therapy.”
“At this moment, surgery appears to have been ruled out, but the recovery timeline is quite long. It could be two months or four months. We’ll find out as we go.”
The search for a new big man
“What Luca Banchi said is correct. We are looking for a replacement who will allow us not to overload the players currently available, especially some who have a complicated injury history.”
On the timing, Baiesi explained: “When you negotiate, there are two parties involved. I can control our work, but not that of the player or his representatives.”
Non-EU roster spots: Baiesi sets the record straight
One particularly significant moment came when discussing the club’s available roster spots.
Asked about reports that Olimpia had used up all its non-EU player slots, Baiesi replied: “Who said that? Who told you?”
When the journalist mentioned an internal club source, the sporting director answered: “Clearly, that source is misinformed.”
Asked directly whether Olimpia could sign a non-EU player, his response was clear: “Yes, of course. Why not?”
He also offered a comment on passports: “A passport makes a player more expensive, not better.”
Armoni Brooks: Baiesi’s version of events
“Brooks is not here because he signed somewhere else. Clearly, he considered the offer he received from other clubs more interesting.”
Baiesi also addressed the player’s comments, in which Brooks had said he did not feel central to the project.
“We put someone who made history at this club on hold while waiting for Brooks to answer a very specific question: tell me what you want to stay.”
“I was never given a figure. The ownership knows it, Christos knows it, and everyone involved knows it. I don’t want to fuel any controversy. I’m happy that Brooks is doing well because he’s a very good guy. But at a certain point, the decisions belong to the individuals.”
Leandro Bolmaro’s contract extension
Just a few words, but significant ones, about the Argentine player’s future.
“Let’s just say that Olimpia Milano and Leandro Bolmaro know exactly what they want. Bolmaro’s situation will not become a case similar to… That’s all I can say.”
Transfer rumors and players offered to the club
“These are players who are offered to us by their representatives. If a player has an exit clause for a EuroLeague club and we lose a player through injury, it’s obvious that his agent will call us to propose him.”
“If a phone call from an agent is enough to say that we’re interested in this or that player, perhaps we need to rethink the way we communicate.”
“We have been offered players who are already playing in the Italian league, as well as others whose names have never come out.”
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