Weems and Abass: Honored to wear this jersey, great to start with the ‘scudetto’ on our chest

A morning of rest for Virtus Segafredo Bologna in Folgaria that will be back to train this afternoon on the eve of tomorrow’s first friendly of the season against Trento.

In the mountains of Alpe Cimbra, Kyle Weems and Awudu Abass were the guests of Virtus Weekly live on Virtus TV. The first to speak was the number 34: "I’m honored to wear the Virtus Segafredo Bologna jersey again. It’s nice to work with coach Scariolo, a coach who has great experiences behind him like those with Toronto and with the Spanish National Team. I was struck by his precision and his ability to create alchemy in the whole team, integrating every player. The team has improved, there are great additions to the roster. These are very hard days but we are working well, we are ready to face the first games and the first commitments of the season. My contract? I am happy and honored by this extension, there are not many Americans who have stayed so long in Virtus. It is a privilege to be still in the plans of Segafredo, a club that aims at very prestigious goals. Since I came to Europe I have had a constant growth, for me in basketball it is very important where you play and how you work every day. I have always done my best to grow. Belinelli as captain? He’s Mr. Bologna, we chose him by mutual agreement. It was the most logical choice."

Then it was Awudu Abass’ turn: "I’m happy to leave with the shield on my chest, it’s a good feeling but we have to think about next season. Opponents will look at us with different eyes, but we have a new group with super players. It takes time but we are a level roster, we are a group with great intelligence and this will help us in the beginning. We are a versatile team and it will be important to change something when opposing teams put us in trouble. We have a lot of Italians on the team, it’s right that the blue core is crucial in a team. It gives me great pleasure to share the Virtus locker room with my national teammates. I’ve always tried to play more than one role on the court, then with commitment and heart I specialized as a small forward. My goal is to always be dangerous in offense and defense. My career? I still have a lot to do, but even in the last season I showed I can be decisive even if I’m not the center of attention. I still have a long way to go, especially in the details. Eurocup? The new competition formula is unpredictable. It remains a very important tournament for us, we will have to be even more determined to win the one-offs. We will have to be careful, but that’s the beauty of basketball".