Quite a lot has changed at Virtus Segafredo Bologna over the last couple of months, but the biggest change of all saw Luca Banchi replace Sergio Scariolo as head coach. However, Banchi's terrific work with the Latvian national team at the 2023 FIBA World Cup has created a sense of optimism among the Italian side's fan base.
On the playing roster, three of the players with the four highest average PIR scores have all departed: Semi Ojeleye, Milos Teodosic and Mam Jaiteh. Other members of the squad to have left this summer include Kyle Weems, Ismael Bako and Nicolo Mannion, so there's a new look to the team heading into the new EuroLeague season. Importantly, though, star forward Tornike Shengelia is healthy and ready to remind the EuroLeague of his talent after an injury-hit season last time out.
The new signings at Virtus
There are high hopes that 23-year-old Alessandro Pajola can take another step up in his career, while Jaleen Smith and Ognjen Dobric – coming off impressive seasons at ALBA Berlin and Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade, respectively – have bolstered Virtus's options at the guard positions.
Another new signing at Virtus is Italian forward Achille Polonara, who returned to his country of birth this summer after four years away. Curiously, Polonara will have his first chance to play in the EuroLeague with an Italian team next season, having previously represented teams from Spain (Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz, 2019-21), Turkiye (Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul, 2021-22; Anadolu Efes Istanbul, 2022-23) and Lithuania (Zalgiris Kaunas, 2022-23).
Guard Bruno Mascolo and forward Devontae Cacok have also joined Virtus, as has veteran center Bryant Dunston. Now 37, Dunston has a ton of experience under his belt and also a winning mentality, which should make him an ideal candidate – along with team captain Marco Belinelli – to lead the locker room. A two-time EuroLeague champion and a two-time winner of the EuroLeague Best Defender prize, the American will be determined to show that he's still got something left in the tank, too.
Improving on last year
Last season saw Virtus play in the EuroLeague for the first time since the 2007-08 campaign, but despite having high expectations, the team finished 14th with a 14-20 record. The level of quality in the EuroLeague has taken another jump across the board, but Virtus will hope that it can channel the spirit of Coach Banchi's Latvia side and upset the odds.