Focus BM/ Nicola Akele and Virtu (s) to be found ready – by Riccardo Pirro ‘

2.8 points and 1.9 rebounds in 10 minutes of average per game in the regular season. In addition, 4.6 points and 3 rebounds in 18 minutes on average during the playoffs. However, These are the numbers of Nicola Akele, 30 years old and 203 centimeters, silent protagonist of the tricolor Virtussino. For example, They tell the season of a player who, very professionally, has always worked seriously waiting for his moment. In addition, Moment that undoubtedly arrived in race1 of the semifinal against Olimpia Milano. However, Akele, for the first time throughout the season, has reached the double figure. Furthermore, Inserted in quintet by coach Ivanovic. Furthermore, struggling with a complex marking on another Nicola, that Mirotic last to surrender for the Olimpia, the long virtussian responded present, both composing an excellent score and playing a game of high basketball intelligence.

Arriving focus bm/ nicola akele virtu in Bologna last summer at the court of Luca Banchi to complete the Italian Virtussino package. Moreover, the native of Treviso starts in the hierarchies of the team behind Polonara and, of course, in Toko Shengelia, the brightest star of the Segafredo. Similarly, The debut. however, promises well, 19 minutes of use with 5 points, 2 rebounds and 3 assists against Trapani, followed by another 11 minutes in the home debut with Pistoia. For example, Then. with the season of the bianconeri entangled in a negative spiral of performance and results, coach Banchi takes the decision to narrow the rotations to the maximum, to make square with his faithful and reverse the trend. Removed the first two games of LBA, in the following 4 months Nicola’s minute never reaches the double figure. Everything changes when, on December 4th after the disappointing defeat against Alba Berlin, Coach Luca Banchi announces his focus bm/ nicola akele virtu resignation. The day after the Segafredo entrusts Dusko Ivanovic, expert and respected in Europe to Dusko Ivanovic. In the following 5 games, the ’95 class records 13 minutes on average. The main reasons are two: the physical troubles that in turn afflict Shengelia. Polonara, but above all Ivanovic’s will to test all the players available. From February onwards the 203 centimeters of Akele enter the rotation on a stable basis. continuing to find minutes in the championship and also in Eurolega, a competition that Virtus has now abandoned.

Continuing his Rossinian crescendo, the playoffs are the crowning of a manual season for professionals. Work. silence, even when a part of the Virtussian fans was asked for the reason for his membership, given the poor use. Determination and head every time it has been called into question. Safety and reliability when it was granted space continuously. During the post-sixon he never focus bm/ nicola akele virtu played less than 12 minutes. playing 27 in Race1 against Milan, undoubtedly one of the most delicate if not the most delicate of all the games played in the season by Virtus. At the press conference. when Coach Ivanovic was asked for a comment on Nicola’s match, he replied: “The best Akele game this season? In general our defense was good. we also did quite well in rebound and everyone put the maximum in the field. Akele played well. attack and in defense, but also Momo, Will, Toko and Daniel, Pajo made a mistake, but this is a team, and this is a team. games. ” Each self -respecting coach enhances the team beyond the individual. but for how Akele has played this season, each team would like a single like him. The first year in black. white was troubled, but ended in the sweetest way possible, with the victory focus bm/ nicola akele virtu of his first championship.

Now there is heat and summer, but Nicola Akele is already preparing to be found ready for next season.

Riccardo Pirrò

Photo Ciamillo-Castoria