«Sorry for the many goodbyes. Repeating will be difficult.”

The captain of Pistoia Basket takes stock of the red and white events. And in the meantime he is preparing to begin the

“Of City Camp 2024”

«All the farewells that have taken place – I am referring in particular to those of the coach Nicola Brienza, Luca Angella, Carl Wheatle And Angelo Del Chiaro – led to the end of a cycle. There was enormous disappointment on my part because in recent seasons we had built something special, obtaining incredible results, such as sixth place at the end of the last regular season. Unfortunately that’s how it went ». When he enters the locker room to start the new season, looking around Gianluca Della Rosa will recognize very few faces. This is due to the revolution wanted by the ownership of Pistoia Basketball, who decided to separate from many of the heroes of last season (and beyond). A bit of bitterness shines through from the red and white captain’s words.

«When so many certainties like this go away, it’s like starting from scratch because you lose points of reference. It will be a new challenge for both me and Lorenzo (Looting, ed.) and we will face it with the same passion as always for the city and for this shirt. There will be negative moments – says Della Rosa – but we will overcome them together. The departure of Brienza? It’s a huge loss. I am sure he will find the right accommodation to continue his beautiful journey.” However, the various departures were immediately followed by the first arrivals. «The American owners have clear ideas and are moving quickly on the front of new reinforcements. Compared to what we have been used to in recent years, guys have arrived with already experience at European basketball level. We have greater certainties from this point of view. I heard Daniel (Utomesed.) and spoke very well to me about Brajkovic».

Unlike what happened to many of his teammates, Della Rosa was not only confirmed, but also given further responsibility, in light of the contract extension until 30 June 2026. «I am very happy. Ever since the season ended I felt strongly wanted by the owners. I can’t wait to start the new championship. The mood of the fans? I believe that a lot of enthusiasm has been recreated, also thanks to the amazing year of which we were protagonists. Then, as always, the results will make the difference in the future. Just look at what happened at the beginning of the last season: when we didn’t win there was never a full house. Then when the victories came, people came to support us en masse ». On the prospects for next year, Della Rosa adds: «The objective will be to fuel this fire that is burning, even if repeating it will not be easy at all. An even more complicated championship awaits us, because teams from A2 will arrive who can certainly do well thanks to their economic resources.”

For the former Bottegone and Rieti playmaker, the experience of the “Della City Camp 2024” at the Monteoliveto park, organized together with Alessandro Fermo And Nicola Iacovinowith the collaboration of Pistoia Basketball Academy, Endas Pistoia And Pistoia Red Bears, and dedicated to boys and girls aged 7 to 15. «This is the fourth year that we have organized it and we have never reached similar numbers: we recorded over 250 registrations – says the class of ’96 proudly – ​​The demand was so high that we decided to go beyond June and extend the camp until end of July. I obviously thank all the families for the trust shown in us and Sirius, which is the main sponsor. There will be weeks dedicated to fun and in particular to basketball, but also to five-a-side football, volleyball and collateral activities.”