The Trapani Shark returns to the field this evening in a surreal atmosphere and perhaps without JD Notae but with a PalaShark ready to fill up to support the team in one of the most delicate matches of the season. Despite the corporate uncertainties, the penalties and the absence of an official technical guide, the Granata team is preparing for the third consecutive match in the LBA Serie A without a coach on the bench.
Bench chaos: Latini still in the stands, the “player-coach” continues
After the resignation of Jasmin Repesa, the club promoted Alex Latini, but the coach cannot yet sit on the bench due to the well-known federal limitations. Even against Openjobmetis Varese, therefore, Trapani will face the match with the formula that has now become customary: a player-coach on the pitch, an obligatory solution but which certifies the extraordinary nature of the moment. The team has come together in recent outings, but the scenario remains complicated and every choice on the parquet becomes crucial.
JD Notae in doubt: influence and presence to be evaluated
To further complicate the preparation of the match for Trapani Shark, there is the possible withdrawal of JD Notae, struggling with a flu that puts him in serious doubt for the match. The absence of the American guard would be a huge blow for Trapani: after the departure of Timmy Allen, Notae has become in all respects the offensive lighthouse of the Granata.
Without him, Shark would lose their main game creator and scorer, an essential element to remain competitive against a growing Varese.
Hurt and Petrucelli also not at their best: total emergency for Trapani
The difficulties don’t end here: Matthew Hurt and John Petrucelli are not in top condition, another bad news in an already problematic phase. Shark will therefore appear at the match in a precarious physical situation, with reduced rotations and offensive responsibilities to be redistributed.
Final Eight mission: a victory would provide arithmetic qualification
Despite the turbulence, Trapani has a great opportunity ahead of it. With a success against Varese, the Granata would guarantee mathematical qualification to the Final Eight of the Italian Cup with two rounds to spare: a very important achievement and a very strong message to the championship.
The motivation is very high, but the team will have to bring clarity, intensity and the ability to control the pace despite the absences.
Varese on the rise: tough opponent at a key moment
Openjobmetis Varese arrives at PalaShark with clear growth after a complicated start to the season. The Lombard team is looking for important points to move up the rankings and give continuity to the improvements of recent weeks.
For Trapani, therefore, it will not be a simple match: Varese runs, scores a lot and has found greater balance than in the first few days.
Conclusions: hot climate at the PalaShark for a challenge that is worth double
Tonight’s match between Trapani Shark and Openjobmetis Varese is one of the most anticipated of the LBA day. The Shark, despite the corporate chaos and the injury emergency, has the opportunity to secure the pass to the Final Eight. Varese, for its part, wants to confirm its growth and will not make any discounts.
It will be an intense, uncertain challenge with enormous value for both teams. And the PalaShark will do its part as always.
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