Back in Europe since 2019, in Milan, after his experience in San Antonio, Ettore Messina is worried. Not necessarily for his team but for the future of the Euroleague in relation to the NBA.
For what ? Because the coach notices that many talents fly, very young, to the United States or Australia, like Alexandre Sarr for example, rather than staying in Europe to develop before taking the plunge.
“In my opinion, for years, we lost an opportunity to establish a deep relationship with the NBA,” comments the four-time Euroleague winner for Eurohoops. “I don’t know if the NBA is an adversary or an ally, but that’s not the point. I always thought that we should do everything to keep young players in Europe, and I’m not talking about Luka Doncic or Nikola Jokic. »
The Euroleague is not attractive enough
To illustrate his point, Ettore Messina thinks of a former player, with whom he won the Euroleague in 2001, before the latter excelled in the NBA.
“Manu Ginobili left at the age of 25, after establishing himself as one of the best players in Europe, following the example of the elders before him,” recalls the Italian technician. “We should be able to keep the players who were drafted, with the idea of helping them grow in a league that has a lot to offer. Instead, over the years, the goal for joining the NBA was the G-League or even the NBL. »
The former assistant to Gregg Popovich at the Spurs does not blame young people and understands why they give in to the sirens of the NBA. He especially thinks of the Euroleague, which is losing new blood.
“We need to talk about this subject, first at home and then with the NBA. We must do it now, otherwise we will continue to see young people leave immediately, attracted by the economic opportunity. If you are an interesting player and you can sign a two-way contract, which remains an important contract, you take it. It’s a development problem. Without that, it is likely that we will transform into a high-level league composed solely of referenced players. »
