Don't worry about him, everything is fine! Marco Belinelli has just celebrated his 38th birthday and won an MVP title in Lega, the Italian league. His average of 13.9 points per game at 40% from distance shows that the shooter is still skillful behind the arc, and this above all allowed Bologna to obtain first place in the championship in the regular season.
The former Spurs fullback will begin a new final this evening, and before he can take his revenge on Milan, Marco Belinelli received messages from the NBA world to congratulate him on his season.
“Marco was instrumental in our NBA title. Because he knows how to play. I always talked about his defense, but he’s a winner,” laughs Gregg Popovich. “He gives everything, he tries to do his best to win a basketball game. He always rises to the occasion, he never slips away. He's a very courageous player, whether he scores or not. But so many people don't want to try it, but he always does it. His sense of humor, it was all a joy for me personally and for our team. »
Surprising longevity
His former teammate at Spurs, Manu Ginobili, also played for Virtus Bologna between 2000 and 2002 before moving to the NBA and it is his turn to pay tribute to the Italian for his MVP title at such an age .
“They called me a few days ago to tell me that Marco had won the MVP title. And I wondered if that was true… He's 38, 39 years old…”jokes Manu Ginobili. “He has an ability to shoot off balance that I’ve never seen. The first year I went crazy because I didn't understand how he could take those shots. But that's what he does, and he does it well. »
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Marco Belinelli's selection partner, Danilo Gallinari also highlights the longevity of his compatriot, and that gives more credibility to the veterans. Like Gallinari precisely since he is one of the 30 names on Gianmarco Pozzecco's first list, for the TQO.
“I am happy, especially for those who, at our age, are described as old and struggling,” quips the Bucks player. “It’s cool to see him playing at such a high level, especially after a tough season last year. When you get the opportunity to play and the coach and the team trust you, great things happen. Now that he has won the MVP title, he must play until at least 45 years old. »
