Virtus Bologna and Olimpia Milano had too much bad luck
At the beginning of the Euroleague season who would have believed that Armani Olimpia Milano would be in the last spot of the standings? Or that Virtus Segafredo Bologna would occupy the 14th spot?
Olimpia Milano was seen as a candidate for the Final 4 this season since they improved their roster, while Virtus Bologna was seen as a team in the playoff mix. But the injuries and some mistakes took down these 2 excellent squads.
If you look at the last game lost by Virtus at Crvena Zvezda, you can clearly see the bad luck for the Italian team. Tornike Shengelia, one of the most solid players in Europe during the last season – was injured. Semi Ojeleye, the ex-NBA that is boosting the confidence and the entire offence of Virtus also out with an injury. And Milos Teodosic was suspended by the Euroleague for his behaviour towards the referees in the previous game. The absence of 3 key players decided the game for Panathinaikos without a doubt.
Olimpia Milano was even much more affected by the injuries. With half of the roster out you cannot win games in Euroleague, where every game is like a Final because the level is very tied. When finally Milano recovered Baron, Pangos injured during the game and then Cabarot was again been wounded by falling in the last game. Unfortunately, Cabarot is fine but still Milano is missing Datome, Shields and Pangos (for a long time). Stefano Tonut is back and I hope Milano will sign Campazzo because without a true point guard a team cannot be successful.
Imagine where these two Italian teams would be if they weren’t so much plagued by injuries. With the roster they both have, their coaches and the money invested, they should still aim for the Euroleague’s playoff.
The article was written by Gratian Cormos, a Romanian journalist, book writer, life coach and mentor currently living in Barcelona, Spain.
If you are interested in collaborating with his website brainbasketball.net, in order to publish articles, interviews or other features related to basketball, feel free to contact Gratian Cormos by Whatsapp or Telegram at this Spanish number: +34 612414486
Photo credit: EuroLeague
