'Achi' was honored before and after the game
Baskonia, Virtus honored 'Achi' Polonara
Статьи
3 Минутное чтение
Regular Season
Round 9 of 38
Regular Season
Baskonia Vitoria-GasteizBKN
8776
Virtus BolognaVIR
Overview
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Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz bounced to its third consecutive EuroLeague victory by defeating Virtus Bologna 87-76 on Thursday night at Buesa Arena. But basketball was only a small part of the emotionally charged evening.
Both teams took the opportunity to send a message of support to Achille Polonara, who is battling myeloid leukemia. Recently released from the hospital after being in a coma for 10 days, the big screen showed photos of the forward, who played for Virtus just last season and spent two years in Vitoria-Gasteiz with Baskonia earlier in his career. Players from both teams gathered on center court before the game with a sign that said "FORZA ACHI".
The video wall showed a picture of Polonara and the following message: "Those who carry fire inside never give up. Forza Achille."
Once the game began, the focus returned to basketball. Baskonia never trailed, using a balanced attack to secure a key victory. But after the final buzzer, Polonara's name was once again on many people's lips.
Coach Paolo Galbiati, who worked with Polonara as an assistant coach on the Italian national team, made on final tribute:
"Achi, this is for you," Galbaiti said after his flash interview, in Italian, holding Baskonia's Polonara jersey. "I hope to see you soon."