Virtus Bologna has emerged a top-notch EuroLeague team this season after its bench was took over by Italian coach Luca Banchi. The former Brose Bamberg coach returned to EuroLeague after five seasons and made an immediate impact leading Virtus to 17 wins in 27 games.
Banchi explained what was his mentality taking over Virtus early in the season and why he elected to “not change much” after his hiring on September 15,2023.
“My first mission was not to change too much,” Luca Banchi noted via EuroLeague.net. “I was conscious of the power of the roster (…) I decided to understand as soon as possible the pillars of the system (…) and, little by little, add some changes that made our style more familiar with my vision.”
Since starting with a narrow home loss, Virtus Bologna has hovered around the top-5 in the EuroLeague standings. They have an 11-1 record in their last 12 games and they are expected to be among the teams to make the postseason this year – its second after a long-lasting absence from the EuroLeague.
Toko Shengelia a game-time decision ahead of Virtus Bologna clash against Olympiacos
Toko Shengelia is not at 100% after suffering an ankle injury during Virtus Bologna last EuroLeague game against Valencia Basket. That said, the star forward will follow the team in Piraeus for Thursday’s contest but the decision on his participation will be taken before the start of the contest.
The 32-year-old has averaged 13.9 points, 5.4 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 17.4 PIR in 24 EuroLeague appearances. After last Friday’s game vs. Valencia, the Georgian forward underwent an MRI which showed that he avoided any crucial damage in his ankle.
As of now, Virtus Bologna is sitting at 5th place with a 17-10 record one win ahead of Olympiacos. If Shengelia is able to play, then it will be a surprise to see him sitting an important game like the upcoming match in Greece.
Luca Banchi’s squad won the first round clash 69-67 and they hope that they can retain the bragging rights over the “Reds”. This was the first Virtus Bologna win against Olympiacos since the 1994/95 in a EuroLeague season.
