The Italian basketball scene is buzzing with renewed optimism following a triumphant summer for its youth and women`s national teams. With European bronze for the women, U20 European gold, and an Under-15 Friendship Trophy breaking a 16-year drought, the groundwork appears laid for success. Now, attention turns to the senior men`s squad, as Head Coach Gianmarco Pozzecco prepares his team for the upcoming EuroBasket, setting his sights on nothing less than a medal.
Pozzecco, ever the pragmatist with a dash of philosophical insight, credits the Italian Basketball Federation`s “extraordinary work” for these early successes. Under the guidance of General Director Salvatore Trainotti and the notable involvement of former national team captain Gigi Datome, the foundation for a cohesive and high-performing system seems to be firmly in place. “To have given some guidelines makes me feel part of a project that President Petrucci wanted, trusting the right people,” Pozzecco remarked, acknowledging the collaborative effort.
The Unconventional Analyst: Achille Polonara`s Inspirational Role
One of the most touching narratives surrounding the team involves Achille Polonara, currently undergoing treatment for leukemia in Valencia. Despite his health battle, Polonara remains an integral part of the Azzurri`s EuroBasket preparation, conversing with Coach Pozzecco daily. His role transcends mere emotional support; Polonara will contribute *concretely* through video and statistical analysis using the Synergy program.
“He will give us concrete support: his knowledge of the context, of my basketball, of the entire environment makes him precious for us. We will draw on his insights, his ideas, his analyses, and I am convinced he will be an added value,” Pozzecco affirmed.
The coach`s admiration for Polonara extends beyond his analytical prowess. Pozzecco describes Achille as a player driven by “strong sentiments,” one who consistently elevates his game when emotions run high, becoming “un-guardable” in crucial matches. “I wrote to him: when there are games that matter, and this goes far beyond the basketball court, he brings out his best,” Pozzecco shared, highlighting the player`s profound resilience. It`s a testament to the human spirit, demonstrating that contributions to a team are not solely confined to the playing court.
The NBA Catalyst: Donte DiVincenzo`s Anticipated Boost
Another significant development is the ongoing process to secure a passport for NBA guard Donte DiVincenzo. Pozzecco, who met DiVincenzo in the United States, is “enthusiastic” about the prospect of integrating the guard into the national team. While acknowledging DiVincenzo`s NBA pedigree, Pozzecco believes his natural predisposition for European basketball will facilitate a swift integration.
“I`m not worried about his integration; rather, he can be a `boost,` a stimulus. But I want to clarify: I thought we could win even before. Donte is a great additional resource,” Pozzecco stated, with a characteristic touch of his blunt, yet endearing, honesty.
This sentiment reflects a deeper confidence in the existing squad, while pragmatically embracing a high-caliber reinforcement. DiVincenzo`s arrival could indeed elevate the team`s ceiling, but Pozzecco`s focus remains squarely on the collective.
Pozzecco`s Blueprint: Beyond Individual Talent
When pressed on his team`s playing style, Pozzecco`s vision is crystal clear:
- **Ball Movement:** “We will pass the ball.”
- **Defensive Cohesion:** “We will help each other on defense.”
- **Team Identity:** Creating a group where “everyone wants to be loved, not just tolerated, but where mistakes can be accepted.”
This emphasis on trust and emotional support forms the bedrock of his coaching philosophy. “I trust my players especially when they are not doing well: that`s where they need trust and consideration. I stand by them all the way,” he articulated, underlining a supportive leadership style. He also lauded his assistant coaches, crediting their daily discussions for fostering insights and solutions.
Lessons Learned and Future Forward
Reflecting on past tournaments, Pozzecco recalled the “moving spirit” shown at EuroBasket 2022 and the 2023 World Cup. However, he admitted that “something was missing” last summer during the pre-Olympic qualifier in Puerto Rico, attributing it to various circumstances. This year, the focus is on recapturing that intensity. Veterans Nik Melli and Simone Fontecchio are seen as crucial in rekindling those emotions. “We will go strong, always, starting from 5-on-0 in training,” he declared, signaling a relentless approach to preparation.
Navigating Roster Decisions: The Mannion and Gallinari Conundrum
Roster selection is always a hot topic, and Pozzecco addressed the exclusion of Nico Mannion head-on. “As always, I spoke directly with the player. In the National team, I don`t have to select the best; I have to create a team with an identity, sometimes even at the expense of talent,” he explained. This is a crucial distinction, portraying the decision not as a judgment on Mannion`s ability, but as a strategic choice for team chemistry and functional fit.
Conversely, the coach confirmed Danilo Gallinari`s place: “I followed him; he deserves to be with us.” This balanced approach highlights Pozzecco`s commitment to building a cohesive unit, whether by carefully integrating established veterans or making tough calls on promising talents to ensure the squad`s identity aligns with his tactical vision.
The Broader Picture: A Federation`s Vision
Pozzecco also took a moment to laud the women`s national team coach, Capobianco, whose work he found “extraordinary.” He saw on the court “what I believe in: a willing, united group, and everything then returned with the beautiful basketball expressed and with how Zandalasini, superb, was `inside` the team.” This underscores a consistent thread across Italian basketball`s national programs: success stems from unity and a shared purpose, a lesson Pozzecco is clearly keen to implement for his own squad as they chase EuroBasket glory.
Elton Marrow