In the high-stakes world of European basketball, a single player can often ignite the ambitions of an entire squad. For EA7 Emporio Armani Milan (Olimpia Milano), that spark appears to be Marko Guduric. The seasoned Serbian champion, a new acquisition for the Italian powerhouse, has arrived with a clear mandate: to propel Milano back into the coveted EuroLeague playoffs.
A Champion`s Return to Familiar Grounds
Guduric’s debut in an Olimpia Milano jersey was nothing short of cinematic, unfolding on a stage deeply personal to him: Belgrade, Serbia. It was here, against Crvena Zvezda, that his journey in top-tier basketball truly began. Despite battling tendinitis that sidelined him during the pre-season, the 30-year-old guard wasted no time in making his presence felt. He sank three crucial three-pointers, swiftly turning the tide in Milano`s favor and showcasing the composure of a true veteran.
Marko Guduric, #23 of EA7 Emporio Armani Milan, demonstrates his pivotal scoring ability.
Head Coach Ettore Messina, a man not prone to hyperbole, was quick to acknowledge Guduric’s immediate impact. «We all felt he could help us right away,» Messina stated, praising Guduric’s decisiveness, timely baskets, and his ability to instill «tranquility and confidence» in the team. The message was clear: Guduric wasn`t just another signing; he was a strategic piece, a potential game-changer.
The Playoff Mandate: Breaking a Three-Year Drought
The significance of Guduric`s ambition cannot be overstated. Olimpia Milano, a club with a storied history, has found itself on the outside looking in when it comes to the EuroLeague playoffs, having last reached that stage in 2022. For a team of Milano`s stature, this drought is not merely a statistic; it`s a driving force.
«We have all the right pieces,» Guduric asserts, brimming with confidence. «The objective is to go to the playoffs and see what happens. This team deserves to be at least in the EuroLeague playoffs, and the club and organization, which are top-tier, deserve it too.»
His conviction stems from a deep understanding of what it takes to succeed at the highest level. As a EuroLeague champion with Fenerbahce, Guduric was not merely a participant but a vital «soul» of the team. He knows the sacrifices, the commitment, and the collective effort required to lift a trophy.
Leadership by Example: «No `I,` Only `We`»
When discussing leadership, Guduric offers a refreshing perspective, gently pushing back against the conventional label. «The leader… I don`t like this word,» he admits. Instead, he defines it as *leading by example*.
«Talking can be important, but the key is what you do. Ensuring everyone is aligned, in the locker room and then on the court: understanding the objectives and putting the team above individuals. I think we are all leaders; we can all be leaders, and we will work in this direction: it`s a team game, and the team is the most important thing. There is no `I,` there is `we.` We must all be on the same page: believe in each other and in the coach. And have patience.»
This philosophy—a commitment to collective effort and mutual trust—is precisely what Milano hopes will propel them forward. His decision to join Milano was significantly influenced by conversations with Coach Messina and General Manager Christos Stavropoulos, whose shared vision for the club resonated deeply with Guduric. It was about stepping out of his «comfort zone» after many years at Fenerbahce, embracing a new challenge, and finding fresh motivation.
A Blend of Experience and Hungry Talent
Guduric finds himself among a diverse group of teammates. He’s reunited with familiar faces like Devin Booker, Lorenzo Brown, and Vlatko Cancar, players he’s battled against for years. But he also highlights the youthful energy of players such as Ellis, Bolmaro, and Mannion, whom he describes as «hungry.» This blend of seasoned veterans and eager young talent, he believes, forms a potent combination.
The road ahead is long, and the EuroLeague is fiercely competitive, with clubs investing heavily. Guduric acknowledges this, emphasizing the critical importance of staying healthy and ensuring every player is ready to contribute, whether for 5 or 40 minutes, with unwavering dedication.
Ambitious Goals and the Path Forward
For Olimpia Milano, a successful season would entail reclaiming domestic titles—the Italian championship and Coppa Italia—which eluded them last year. In the EuroLeague, reaching the playoffs would be a significant stride forward, signaling their return to the European elite.
Marko Guduric embodies a potent mix of championship experience, quiet leadership, and unwavering ambition. His arrival in Milan isn`t just a roster change; it`s a statement of intent. As he embarks on this new chapter, perhaps even picking up some Italian along the way, the focus remains singular: guiding Olimpia Milano, one selfless play at a time, toward a new era of EuroLeague success. The ball, quite literally, is in his court.
Elton Marrow