Coach Galli's corner – Virtus Segafredo Bologna
Two days to the start of the semi-final against Virtus Segafredo Bologna, a re-edition of the match that took place last season. The first match of the series is scheduled for Sunday 28 May at 19.30 pm at the Virtus Segafredo Arena in Bologna. Presenting the characteristics of the opponents is the assistant coach Massimo Galli:
“We are preparing to play the eleventh match against Virtus Segafredo Bologna, with a balance that currently sees us winners on three occasions out of ten matches played. I believe that the roster that will take the field in the semi-finals is the same that faced and beat Brindisi in the quarter-finals. The technical guidance of the team is entrusted to Sergio Scariolo, a coach who needs no introduction and who has won everything both at club level (in Europe and in the NBA) and with the Spanish national team.
The starting point guard is Hackett, a player with great experience at the highest level and cornerstone of the Virtus game system. Behind him is Pajola, an excellent defender who has established himself at the top and has renewed his contract with Virtus for the next few years. The third point guard is Mannion, used little in the series against Brindisi but gifted with great offensive talent.
The starting guard is Cordinier, very athletic and quick and equipped with great physicality and athleticism. Teodosic rises from the bench, the most talented player in our championship and capable of further raising his level in decisive matches, carrying the team on his shoulders.
The '3' includes Belinelli, a great shooter (36.9% in the regular season on 6.7 attempts per game), Ojeleye - who plays in both wing roles - who is a sensational athlete, has great physicality and rebounding presence and is shooting with excellent percentages from beyond the arc (52.8% on 2.8 shots per game). To complete the department we find Abass, who after his return from injury is guaranteeing energy and athleticism to the team.
The starting '4' is Shengelia, another player who has several high-level pasts, good at 1vs1 both front and back to the basket. Said of Ojeleye, the change is Mickey, who also enters the '5' rotation coming off the bench. The starting center is Jaiteh, who has had ups and downs this year but was EuroCup MVP last season. Completing the roster is Camara, who is finding very little space in the playoffs."
