Italbasket, Lots of Compliments for Pianigiani

SIENA – It’s true, the All Star Game is always a true show and a real match technically speaking, but it’s also a fact that  Italbasket, by beating the gathering of Peterson’s best foreign players, regained the enthusiasm and excitement that had been missing for a while. It wasn’t the best Nationals because they were missing, for example, NBA stars Bargnani, Belinelli and Gallinari, but Head Coach Simone Pianigiani found the magic formula to recreate a young, solid group with a bright future. Sure, a different Italy will be needed at the Europeans,  one that’s expert and ready to do battle, but you can’t say that behind the big dogs, there aren’t some interesting parts to change in. The head coach pointed out, "They were three important days because we were able to practice with a broader and newer group in all aspects. The entire staff gathered and we were able to meet A Series coaches and medical to do an in depth evaluation of the state of our basketball. We need to take a 360 degree look at our players, from a physical standpoint and their ability to practice. These days, European basketball wants players able to withstand tough games for twelve months, and a new way of conceiving athletes. These were important days during which there was enthusiasm on all levels. The players have time on their side and this is a group that needs to be looking far far ahead.”