Italian powerhouse secures Serbian big man in swift transfer from Zalgiris
Virtus Segafredo Bologna has officially reinforced its frontcourt by securing the services of Serbian center Alen Smailagic. The 24-year-old big man arrives from Lithuanian club Zalgiris Kaunas, marking another significant roster move for the Italian team.
The transfer appears to have been orchestrated swiftly, described in reports as a “blitz” by the Virtus management. Smailagic has reportedly already arrived in Bologna and is currently undergoing the standard medical evaluations necessary to finalize the agreement. Completion of these tests is anticipated imminently, paving the way for the formal signing of his contract.
While still relatively young, Smailagic brings an interesting profile forged by experience on both sides of the Atlantic. He is perhaps most widely recognized for his brief, yet notable, tenure with the NBA`s Golden State Warriors. Joining the Warriors setup at a very young age, he spent two seasons associated with the franchise before returning to Europe.
Upon his return, Smailagic played for Serbian powerhouse Partizan Belgrade from 2021 to 2024, featuring prominently in both domestic and Euroleague competition. His move to Zalgiris last season added another chapter to his European journey before the recent transfer to Virtus.
During the past Euroleague campaign with Zalgiris, Smailagic averaged 8.1 points and 2.9 rebounds per game in approximately 15 minutes of playing time. These numbers reflect a player capable of contributing efficiently within a defined role, hinting at the kind of impact Virtus hopes he will provide.
The agreement with Virtus is reported to be a multi-year commitment, structured as a two-season deal with a club option for a third year. This indicates a potential long-term vision for Smailagic within the Virtus roster, provided his integration and performance meet expectations. Fans await the official confirmation following the successful completion of his medicals, anticipating the addition of the former NBA prospect to the team`s rotation.
