In the high-stakes arena of EuroLeague basketball, where aspirations often clash with hard realities, a single player can sometimes shift the narrative. For EA7 Emporio Armani Milan, that player is Marko Guduric. The 30-year-old Serbian sharpshooter, fresh off a championship run with Fenerbahce, has landed in Milan with a clear objective: to propel the Italian powerhouse back into the EuroLeague playoffs, a destination they haven`t seen since 2022.
Marko Guduric (#23) making his debut for EA7 Emporio Armani Milan.
An Unforgettable Debut: Returning to Roots
Guduric`s journey with Olimpia Milan commenced with a poetic twist: two games in 48 hours, right back in his native Serbia. His debut, against Crvena Zvezda – the club that nurtured his talent from the small town of Priboj and launched his professional career – was nothing short of decisive. Despite being sidelined during the preseason with tendinitis carried over from the EuroBasket tournament, Guduric wasted no time making his presence felt.
Stepping onto the court with the measured posture of a newcomer, yet possessing the undeniable personality of a seasoned champion, he needed just three crucial three-pointers to swing the game`s momentum in Milan`s favor. Coach Ettore Messina, a man known for his discerning eye, immediately recognized Guduric`s impact:
“We all felt he could help us right away. He didn`t play much (less than 17 minutes), but we tried to use him in key moments of the game, and like champions, he was decisive: he made the right decisions, scored important baskets and, most importantly, gave tranquility and confidence to the team.”
This immediate affirmation from a coaching legend speaks volumes, signaling that Guduric isn`t just another addition; he`s a potential catalyst.
The Playoff Mandate: A New Horizon for Milan
For a club with Milan`s rich history, the absence from the EuroLeague playoffs since 2022 has been a quiet disappointment. Guduric, who arrived as a EuroLeague champion with Fenerbahce, is acutely aware of the challenge, yet radiates a quiet confidence.
“I don`t know why it didn`t happen before because I wasn`t here, but I think now we have a very good team, a good mix of experience, youth, and talent. I`m energized, this team deserves to be at least in the EuroLeague playoffs, and the club and organization, which are top-level, deserve it too. That`s why I think our goal this year must be to go to the playoffs. Getting there would be super: the EuroLeague is very difficult with clubs investing huge resources, the high-level teams have increased.”
His decision to join Milan wasn`t impulsive. Extensive discussions with Coach Messina and General Manager Christos Stavropoulos underscored a project that resonated with his ambitions. Leaving the comfort zone of a championship-winning team like Fenerbahce was a deliberate move, fueled by the desire for a fresh challenge and, perhaps, an added spark from Serbia`s national team disappointment.
Building a Cohesive Unit: The “No `I`, Only `We`” Philosophy
Guduric sees the potential in Milan`s revamped roster, a blend of familiar faces and hungry new blood. He mentions knowing Devin Booker, Lorenzo Brown, and Vlatko Cancar from past rivalries, alongside promising talents like Darius Ellis, Leandro Bolmaro, and Nico Mannion.
His blueprint for success is straightforward, yet profound: staying healthy, unwavering dedication from every player, and a collective belief in the team above individual glory.
“We have all the right pieces. That`s why it will be important to stay healthy: it`s a long season, and we need everyone, and everyone ready to play, whether it`s 5 or 10 minutes, but all with dedication to the team.”
When pressed on leadership, Guduric offers a refreshing perspective, subtly nudging back against the conventional hero narrative:
“The leader… I don`t like that word. Leadership for me is 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 goals 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, rooted in collective effort and quiet determination, could be the steady hand Milan needs. Success, he acknowledges, involves winning in Italy – reclaiming the league title and Coppa Italia after last season`s misses – alongside the significant stride of making the EuroLeague playoffs.
Marko Guduric utilizing a screen from teammate Devin Booker during a game.
The EuroLeague season is a marathon, not a sprint, fraught with formidable opponents and unexpected twists. But with Marko Guduric`s blend of championship experience, immediate impact, and a clear, selfless vision for leadership, Olimpia Milano appears to have found not just a player, but a genuine orchestrator for their renewed playoff aspirations. The stage is set for a season where patience, collective belief, and leading by example will be paramount.
