By Eurohoops Team/ info@eurohoops.net
A successful five-year run with Fenerbahce Beko ended for Luigi Datome, the Turkish powerhouse announced on Tuesday. The 32-year-old Italian forward is set to ink a three-year contract with AX Armani Exchange Olimpia Milan, previously reported by Eurohoops as his first option.
Per Fenerbahce: “Gigi Datome, who has played a key role in all the historical success we have achieved since he joined Fenerbahce in 2015-16 season, has decided to opt out his current agreement with our team to continue his career with another club.
During his time with Fenerbahçe, Gigi Datome’s contributions to our team has not been limited to the points he scored or the stats he made on the court. One of the most important representatives of our Fenerbahçe Men’s Basketball Team’s never give up mentality, Gigi has been a key part of the team spirit that has been created in our locker room and shown on the court.
In addition to contributing to the team every single second he was on the court, he has made us proud with his exemplary attitude and sportsmanship off the court, and gained everyone’s admiration with his love and commitment to our country.
We would like to thank Gigi Datome, an already unforgettable piece of the Fenerbahçe Basketball history, for all of his contributions to our club, and wish him all the success for the rest of his career.”
Datome contracted up to 2022 opted out paving the way for him returning to his native Italy. His 2019-20 run, shortened due to the coronavirus pandemic, saw the 32-year-old forward produce 8.3 points, 3.4 rebounds, 1.3 assists, and 0.8 steals per EuroLeague contest. He also put up 8.2 points per BSL match.
He moved to Fenerbahce back in 2015 signing a two-year contract following his NBA runs with the Detroit Pistons and the Boston Celtics. He previously emerged while playing in Italy concluding the first domestic part of his career as the LBA Serie A MVP with Virtus Roma.
Back in Europe, Datome went on to lift the EuroLeague trophy in 2018, three BSL championships, and three Turkish cups. His individual honors include a spot in the 2016 All-EuroLeague second team and named the 2016 Turkish finals MVP.
The Turkish club previously extended Maurizio Gherardini’s contract for two more years opening a new page after the departure of Zeljko Obradovic. The Italian GM has been with the team since 2014.