The Little Red Shoes begin their season in the Italian Super Cup this weekend
New Milan signings presented to the fans: ‘I think we are all leaders’
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Seven new faces have joined EA7 Emporio Armani Milan over the summer and they are all optimistic about what awaits this season, both domestically and in the EuroLeague.
During an event at Scalo Milano, which featured questions from journalists and fans, the anticipation was taken up a notch.
One of the players who received the most questions was Marko Guduric, who joined Milan after winning his first EuroLeague championship with Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul last season.
“I spoke at length with Coach [Ettore] Messina and [general manager] Christos Stavropoulos to get a general idea of how the club worked, and I decided to come,” he said. “I think we are all leaders. In my opinion, it's about always putting the team before individual interests, being on the same wavelength, trusting each other, the coaches, and being patient.
“The key to everything is always health. If you're healthy and improving every day, gradually, then you can go far. For me, it's a big change after so many years at Fenerbahce, but it's a challenge I've taken on with enthusiasm."
Another notable addition is two-time All-EuroLeague guard Lorenzo Brown. At 35 he is expected to lead by example, while he is excited about the possibility of reuniting with his former Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv teammate Josh Nebo.
“There are many veterans and a lot of experience in this team,” he said. “Coach Messina told me to be myself and help the younger players, to focus on leadership. On the court, he may be similar to my previous coaches, but off the court you can talk to him, have conversations, and that helps you on the court too.
“I think Josh Nebo is a lot more hungry and, if possible, even more athletic than when I left him at Maccabi. This team has more talent and experience than that Maccabi team.”
Following a breakout campaign with FC Bayern Munich, Devin Booker made the switch to Milan – and he believes it was time to try something new.
“After a few years at Bayern, it was time for a change and this seemed like a good challenge for me,” he said. “I'm surrounded by talented and experienced players. I’m ready to do whatever it takes to get back to winning and hopefully we can do that.”
There is a lot of intrigue surrounding Vlatko Cancar after six years in the NBA with the Denver Nuggets. Injuries have blighted the Slovenian forward in the last few years, but he can’t wait to get started in the EuroLeague.
“I’m coming off a stint in the NBA and the biggest adjustment I have to make is the importance of each individual game. There are no off nights in the EuroLeague,” he said.
“I’ll try to be the glue that holds everything together, be in the right place at the right time, and always put the team ahead of my own interests. Right now, I’m following the plan we’ve laid out so that I can be at my best as soon as possible.”
Speaking in fluent Italian, Quinn Ellis – the youngest new signing at 22 – expressed his desire to continue growing as a player having made the move from Dolomiti Energia Trento to Milan.
“Getting to the EuroLeague was a dream. Now I’m here and I can’t wait to compete at the highest level possible in Europe,” he said. “The difference is that you play a lot more in the middle of the court, so I need to improve especially in this type of situation, in reading the game, seeking support from my more experienced teammates, not only Lorenzo Brown but also [Diego] Flaccadori and [Nico] Mannion.”
On the other end of the scale, the 39-year-old Bryant Dunston made it clear that having such a deep squad of players will play into Milan’s favor this season.
“The EuroLeague with 20 teams means more games, but that's why we have so many guys on our roster,” he said. “Then it will be up to the coach to decide how to use the players, how to distribute the effort and energy. I see talent and experience. The key for us will be to improve every day.”
The most recent addition to the roster, Leonardo Tote’, admitted that he didn’t have to think twice when the possibility of Milan arose.
“I am delighted to be part of such a prestigious team. When a coach like Messina called me, I didn’t hesitate,” he said. “I had a difficult summer because I carried an injury over from the end of the season and only recently resolved it, but sooner than I feared, together with Olimpia. Soon, I will be able to lend a hand.”
Milan’s season officially gets underway when it takes on Virtus Bologna in the semifinals of the Italian Super Cup on Saturday night (20:45 CEST).