One more piece, and then everything will be ready for the Virtus which, on the new vests, will also have the title Number 17 to defend. Actually, there are two pieces to the puzzle, although the second can wait a little longer.
Yes, because the Virtus, which last month announced its new sponsor – Olidata, annual agreement with the possibility of extension – had made it known that the new brand, replacing Segafredo, would be used only for the Italian championshipAcross Europe, where the Virtus brand is strong in terms of prestige and prestige, there will be a different brand. There’s time to get there, especially since there are more than forty days to go until the start of the most beautiful, yet also demanding, tournament in the Old Continent.
There’s another piece to be put in place. And even in this case it won’t keep the Juventus managers awake at night because the team is complete, with seven new players who, starting next week, will start sweating at the Porelli gym under the orders of Dusko Ivanovic. It’s no secret that the last foreigner is missing. And it’s clear that, given how Ivanovic and general manager Paolo Ronci have built the team, they’re looking for a big man who can replace Momo Diouf. Virtus has been targeting him for some time. It’s that of Kai jones, originally from the Bahamas, who like many of his compatriots, before changing air – the NBA He has incredible appeal—he’s willing to try until the very end. And Jones, it’s no secret either, has flirted with Miami, the franchise that, after the European Championships, will welcome Simone Fontecchio with open arms. The Heat, however, don’t have much cap space and, to sign the big man, would have to resort to some acrobatics. They would end up paying what’s called the “luxury tax,” because in the NBA, you have to respect the salary cap.
All these indications are giving Virtus a small boost in optimism. But until the contract is signed, Virtus can’t rest easy.
But the general manager, as mentioned earlier, is actually very relaxed because the group, described by many as intriguing, is complete. And Ivanovic, who will start the season with the Black V for the first time – he arrived in December, on the fly, replacing the resigning Luca Banchi – strongly desired a fast-paced team, with plenty of wingers capable of running and encouraging their teammates to run.
It’s obvious that Virtus won’t wait forever, especially since the training camp is scheduled for August 26th. Let’s just say the club will expect a response, whatever it may be, by mid-next week.
If Jones can be drafted—his height and verticality are tempting—great. Otherwise, the club will move forward with Plan B: looking for a big man who can also be a threat from long range, to fit the mentality of a team that wants to run.