Italian basketball is experiencing a noteworthy summer, with impressive performances across various national teams. The women’s national team secured a European bronze, the U20 squad clinched European gold, and the U15 team remarkably won the Friendship Trophy after a 16-year drought. These successes set a compelling backdrop as Gianmarco Pozzecco, head coach of the senior men`s national team, prepares his squad for the highly anticipated EuroBasket at the end of August.
In a recent interview, Coach Pozzecco credited the Federation’s extensive efforts, particularly highlighting the contributions of General Director Salvatore Trainotti and the involvement of former player Gigi Datome. Their work has created a fertile ground for these unexpected but welcome achievements, fostering a national team system that Pozzecco feels deeply connected to.
Achille Polonara: An Indispensable Force Beyond the Court
Perhaps one of the most compelling narratives surrounding the Italian squad is the ongoing integration of Achille Polonara. Currently undergoing treatment for leukemia in Valencia, Polonara remains a crucial figure. Pozzecco confirmed their daily communication, revealing that Polonara’s contributions extend beyond emotional support.
While most teams might simply wish a recovering player well from afar, Pozzecco seems to have assigned Polonara a new, critical role: utilizing advanced video and statistics analysis programs like Synergy. “His knowledge of the context, of my basketball, and of the entire environment makes him invaluable to us,” Pozzecco stated. “We will draw on his insights, his ideas, his analyses, and I am convinced that he will be an added value.” This unconventional yet effective approach underscores Pozzecco’s belief in Polonara’s deep understanding of the game and the team’s dynamics, ensuring he feels “truly part of the Azzurri environment.”
Pozzecco lauded Polonara’s character, describing him as a player driven by strong emotions, who consistently delivers his best basketball in critical moments. “When there are important emotions, he brings out his best basketball. He always pushes beyond, becoming unguardable,” the coach explained, recalling Polonara’s standout performances in significant playoff games and at the 2022 EuroBasket against Serbia. This unwavering spirit, even amidst personal challenges, positions Polonara as a symbolic and functional pillar for the team’s mental fortitude.
DiVincenzo`s Arrival: A Strategic `Boost`
The Italian team is also on the cusp of a significant roster enhancement with the anticipated arrival of Donte DiVincenzo, the NBA guard whose Italian passport application is reportedly progressing well. Pozzecco expressed immense enthusiasm, crediting President Petrucci, Gigi Datome, and Deputy Secretary Tomassi for their relentless work in this bureaucratic endeavor.
Having met DiVincenzo in the United States, Pozzecco is confident about his seamless integration. “He’s sharp, plays in the NBA, yes, but he has a natural predisposition for European basketball,” Pozzecco noted, dismissing any concerns about his adaptation. While acknowledging DiVincenzo as a “boost” and a valuable additional resource, the coach firmly clarified that his belief in the team`s potential to succeed predates this high-profile addition, subtly emphasizing that no single player is a magic bullet, but rather a powerful amplifier.
Pozzecco’s Unwavering Philosophy: Trust, Identity, and Collective Effort
At the core of Pozzecco’s coaching philosophy lies a clear vision for team play. He envisions a squad characterized by constant ball movement and robust defensive cooperation. Crucially, he aims to cultivate an environment where every player feels not just tolerated, but genuinely “loved.”
“I trust my players especially when they are not doing well: that’s when they need trust and consideration. I stand by them all the way.”
This statement encapsulates his supportive leadership style, emphasizing unwavering faith during challenging moments. He also openly attributes much of his strategic development to the daily discussions and insights gained from his coaching assistants, underscoring a collaborative approach to problem-solving and innovation.
Lessons from the Past, Drive for the Future
Reflecting on the pre-Olympic qualifier in Puerto Rico, where the team admittedly “lacked something” despite previous “moving spirit” shown at EuroBasket 2022 and the 2023 World Cup, Pozzecco is determined to rekindle that intense drive. He explicitly named veteran leaders Nik Melli and Simone Fontecchio as pivotal in restoring this crucial emotional and competitive charge. The coach’s commitment to intensity is absolute, extending even to the seemingly mundane “5-on-zero” practice drills.
Roster decisions, such as the exclusion of Mannion, are handled with direct communication and a clear rationale. Pozzecco explained that his primary objective isn’t to gather the most talented individuals, but to forge a cohesive team with a distinct identity, even if it occasionally means prioritizing fit over raw talent. These are strategic choices, not personal judgments, designed to optimize team chemistry and performance based on current needs and long-term player development. Gallinari, meanwhile, is deemed deserving of a spot, indicating the continued value of experienced talent.
Finally, Pozzecco drew inspiration from the bronze-winning women’s national team, commending Coach Capobianco’s exceptional work. He observed the very qualities he champions: a united and available group, translating directly into beautiful basketball and exemplary dedication from star players like Zandalasini, who was “so much `inside` the team.” This holistic view of national basketball success reinforces his belief in the power of collective spirit and identity.
As the EuroBasket approaches, Pozzecco’s Italy stands ready, armed with strategic depth, reinforced talent, and an unwavering belief in team unity, aiming to translate their summer successes into a compelling campaign for a medal.
