In the vibrant heart of Trento, amidst the enthusiastic crowds of the Festival dello Sport, a remarkable basketball club recently took center stage. Not merely to commemorate a trophy, but to celebrate a philosophy. Dolomiti Energia Trento, affectionately known as `Aquila` (The Eagle), proudly showcased their Coppa Italia, a victory that resonates far beyond the confines of the basketball court. This isn`t just a story of hoops and heroics; it’s a narrative of sustainable success, shrewd management, and deep community roots.
The February Fairytale Revisited
The spotlight, naturally, shone on the historic Coppa Italia triumph achieved in February at the Final Eight in Turin. It was a journey marked by courage and conviction. The team, then under the guidance of coach Paolo Galbiati, navigated a treacherous path. Quarter-final clashes against Reggio Emilia were described as “a true battle,” while the semi-final against Trieste saw point-for-point skirmishes that demanded unwavering resolve. Yet, Aquila prevailed, culminating in a dominant 16-point victory over Italian basketball powerhouse Olimpia Milano in the final. A poetic moment, indeed, to lift the coveted trophy against such formidable opposition.
Dolomiti Energia Trento players, including captain Toto Forray, celebrating their Coppa Italia win at the Festival dello Sport in Trento.
Voices from the Victory
Four current players who were instrumental in that February glory – Selom Mawugbe, Patrick Hassan, Jordan Bayehe, and captain Toto Forray – joined club president Luigi Longhi and Lega Basket president Maurizio Gherardini in the festivities. Jordan Bayehe shared a poignant pre-final anecdote:
“I remember the technical meeting before the final,” Bayehe recounted. “We tried some schemes in the hotel room, five-on-zero, also to relieve the tension.”
Captain Toto Forray, a cornerstone of Trento`s lineup since 2011, echoed the sentiment of immense pride:
“Lifting the Cup was an unforgettable moment,” Forray stated, “I struggled to hold back the emotion. It meant so much for us players, the club, and the entire Trentino community that supports us relentlessly.”
Forray also cast an eye to the future, highlighting the club`s commitment to nurturing young talent, mentioning 17-year-old Cheickh Niang, brother of Saliou, who has moved to Virtus Bologna and gained national team recognition:
“Cheickh can become extremely strong; he just needs to stay calm and keep working,” Forray emphasized. This speaks volumes about Trento`s developmental ethos.
The `White Fly`: A Model for Modern Sports
What truly sets Dolomiti Trento apart, and what was extensively celebrated at the Festival dello Sport, is its unique operational model. For a club just 30 years old, they`ve achieved significant sporting milestones, including two Scudetto finals in 2017 and 2018. However, it`s their ability to consistently balance athletic ambition with sound economic management that earns them widespread admiration.
Maurizio Gherardini, who assumed the presidency of Lega Basket in late June, lauded Trento as a “mosca bianca”—a “white fly” or a rare bird in the Italian basketball landscape. This appellation underscores their exceptional approach:
“Trento is a white fly,” Gherardini noted, “and that is why its success must be viewed with respect and admiration. All clubs should be inspired by this model: cost sustainability and strategic planning. It is one of the objectives of Lega Basket: our movement has ample room for growth, and we are working to improve in all aspects.”
This isn`t merely about cutting costs; it`s about intelligent planning, responsible investment, and a long-term vision in an industry often swayed by short-term gains and financial volatility.
Roots in the Territory: The Essence of Aquila
Club President Luigi Longhi articulated the core of Trento`s philosophy, emphasizing the symbiotic relationship between the club and its home:
“At the heart of our project is giving back value and promotion to the territory through basketball,” Longhi explained. “Players who come to Trento live the city, its social context, and participate in many activities. Our secret is this: we are an expression of our land.”
This community-first approach fosters a sense of belonging not just for the fans, but for the players themselves, integrating them into the fabric of Trentino life. It’s a powerful testament to local identity, where the team`s success is seen as a collective achievement of the entire region.
Lega Basket President Maurizio Gherardini and Dolomiti Trento President Luigi Longhi discussing the club`s sustainable model.
A Blueprint for Enduring Success
Dolomiti Trento’s celebration at the Festival dello Sport wasn’t just about a trophy; it was a reaffirmation of values. In an era where sports clubs often grapple with financial instability and the pressure for immediate results, Aquila stands as a beacon of what’s possible with thoughtful governance. Their blend of sporting ambition, financial prudence, and profound community engagement offers a compelling blueprint for other clubs, not just in Italian basketball, but across the global sporting landscape. It`s a reminder that true success is often built on foundations far sturdier than mere scoreboard victories.
