Virtus Bologna General Manager Paolo Ronci spoke about the signing of Justin Holiday, clarifying the club\u2019s position and its approach to the market.<\/p>\n
Ronci emphasized that Holiday\u2019s arrival was a joint decision between the club and head coach Dusko Ivanovic, underlining the strategic reasoning behind the move.<\/p>\n
“As our coach has already stated, Justin Holiday is joining us by mutual agreement. Given the current market conditions, we felt that signing a player with extensive NBA experience\u2014who was playing as recently as May with the Denver Nuggets\u2014was the best option to evaluate him directly on the court.”<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
Ronci also praised Holiday\u2019s professionalism in accepting a short-term trial period.<\/p>\n
“We appreciate Holiday\u2019s willingness to come here, considering his career, even if it\u2019s just for ten days with no mutual obligation. It\u2019s a gesture of great professionalism and seriousness on his part. Given his undeniable qualities, our medical and athletic staff decided it was best to assess him on the court before making a long-term decision.”<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
He highlighted the club\u2019s need to fill the gap left by Will Clyburn\u2019s absence, particularly in perimeter shooting and play creation\u2014skills that are not easy to replace.<\/p>\n
“Rather than making a blind move, we preferred this approach\u2014always in full agreement with the coach, as he himself confirmed.”<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
On the Club\u2019s Decision-Making Process<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Ronci firmly denied any suggestion that signings are made without the coach\u2019s approval.<\/p>\n
“Since this ownership and management took over, no player has ever been signed without the head coach\u2019s authorization. Not a single contract has been signed without the coach giving his approval. Of course, at times, we\u2019ve had to move down the ranking of the coach\u2019s preferred choices, but his consent has always been there. I hope this is clear once and for all.”<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
On Holiday\u2019s Trial and Future Contract<\/strong><\/h3>\n
The GM outlined the evaluation process for Holiday and the potential contract structure.<\/p>\n
“Now Holiday is here with us. After ten days, the coach will make his final assessment. If the feedback is positive, we will sign him to a three-month contract with an option for an additional two months. Ivanovic will decide only after seeing how he integrates with the team.”<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
He also pushed back against early skepticism regarding Holiday\u2019s ability to contribute.<\/p>\n
“Questioning him now is disrespectful to his career, especially since he arrived here in excellent condition. The top EuroLeague clubs have signed players even older than Holiday\u2014go check the average age of the competition. I encourage people to stop focusing on negativity. If you truly care about Virtus, promoting unity and positivity helps the players far more.”<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
On the Transfer Market<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Ronci acknowledged the challenges of finding the right players in a limited market.<\/p>\n
“Did it take us a long time? That\u2019s how the market works\u2014it\u2019s not huge. Ettore Messina once quoted Pat Riley, saying, \u2018It\u2019s not like you open the door and find Kareem waiting for you.\u2019 And that\u2019s the reality.”<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
On Ante Zizic\u2019s Injury<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Ronci also provided an update on center Ante Zizic, confirming that the club will not seek a replacement for him.<\/p>\n
“He underwent surgery on his elbow for bursitis. The cleaning procedure was necessary, and according to the doctors, he should return in three to four weeks. We won\u2019t replace him\u2014we\u2019ll wait. Any additional signings, based on the coach\u2019s recommendations, will only be for the backcourt.”<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
Conclusion<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Ronci\u2019s statements reaffirmed Virtus Bologna\u2019s strategic and methodical approach to player signings. While Justin Holiday\u2019s arrival is still under evaluation, the club remains confident in its process, emphasizing that all moves are made in alignment with the coaching staff\u2019s vision. With a clear plan for both roster management and injury recovery, Virtus is looking to stabilize and strengthen its squad as the season progresses.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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