Back to Saliou Niang. And this is the first good news for a Virtus which, NBA-style, is preparing to tour Europe and Italy. Today, Kaunas, Thursday, Munich, Saturday, Trento. Is that all? No, next Tuesday, a league away game in Varese, followed two days later by a flight to Vitoria, Spain. Five straight away games, before returning to Bologna and the PalaDozza. At home, aside from the match against Cremona, Virtus has always found the motivation to raise the bar. Now they need to do it in the export format, and it won’t be easy. Although the return of Niang (who won’t be at his best) guarantees freshness, athleticism, and verticality. Today—tip-off at 19 p.m.—Luca Vildoza and Karim Jallow, who took a breather on Sunday, will be on the roster. Thus, the only unavailable player is Abramo Canka. Virtus heads to Kaunas with a dizzying standing. Because the victories-feats against Real Madrid, Monaco and Panathinaikos have put the Black V in a position to occupy second place (together) behind Hapoel Tel Aviv.
Virtus wasn’t built for this Euroleague, but to carry out a three-year project. Certainly, a win between today and Thursday could allow the Black V to remain at the top.
Kaunas has been a tough place to play for a few seasons now, but Ivanovic’s Virtus has accustomed us to top-notch performances. Zalgiris remains a top-tier club, playing in a fabulous stadium.
Leading the way today will be Alen Smailagic, the best player on Sunday against Sassari. The Serbian big man, who played in Lithuania last year, is improving. He shoots three-pointers and opens up the floor, just as Dusko likes, and he brings technique and temperament to the table to make up for any potential gap. Alen will be the one to explain Kaunas’ weaknesses to his teammates. Which, judging by the Montenegrin coach’s assessment, perhaps aren’t so weak.
“Every time we go to Kaunas,” says Dusko Ivanovic, “our opponents know they’re in for a tough match. Zalgiris is a very strong and combative team that, this year, has turned aggression and ambition into its true weapons. We’re in for a tough match.” The remaining words belong to Juventus’ all-rounder, Brandon Taylor. Small in stature, but quick with his hands and feet. Taylor isn’t afraid of anyone, not even prejudice. There were those who thought he wouldn’t bring anything to Virtus. And the Scudetto arrived. There are those who still think it’s not enough for the Euroleague. Brandon keeps on running. Even if, for him now, it’s not easy to replace Alessandro Pajola, who is among the best European players in the position. “Zalgiris,” the thirty-one-year-old point guard explains, “is a tough team to face, especially at home, where few manage to emerge victorious. They’re a talented team that thrives at home, where they show maximum energy and fighting spirit.” Referees are Peruga, Pastusiak, and Silva. Live coverage is provided by Sky Sport Uno, Sky Sport Basket, and Nettuno Bologna Uno.
