By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Giampaolo Ricci joined AX Armani Exchange Olimpia Milano on a two-year contract, the Italian powerhouse announced Tuesday.
Per the press release: “Olimpia Milano has reached an agreement for two years with Giampaolo Ricci, born in Rome on 27 September 1991, 2.02 mt tall, power forward, coming from Virtus Bologna.
“Ricci has the skills and the human traits to perfectly fit our team. He will make our frontline better and will help to promote the values we believe in,” Olimpia’s general manager Christos Stavropoulos said. “I’m happy and excited about being part of a great organization like Olimpia Milan. The call I got from Coach Messina made the difference and convinced me to accept this huge challenge. I’m coming from a very gratifying time, but I’m really determined to make sure that next season will be even better. That’s why I can’t wait to play at the Forum, full of energy.”
HIS CAREER – Giampaolo Ricci grew up in Chieti where he started playing basketball in the Magic Chieti club before moving to Pallacanestro Chieti and finally to Stella Azzurra Roma in 2007, remaining there until 2011. From 2011 to 2015, he played in A2 in Casalpusterlengo, then he spent one year in Verona and another one in Tortona where he averaged 10.5 points and 6.5 rebounds per game, earning the call from Cremona where he remained two more years, and helped the team win Italian Cup in 2019 (he averaged 9.4 points and 4.3 rebounds per game). During the summer of 2019, he moved to Virtus Bologna where he remained for another two years, winning the Italian title in 2021. During the 2019/20 season, he averaged 9.2 points and 4.9 rebounds per game; in 2020/21, he averaged 6.5 points and 4.3 rebounds per game. During the last season’s Eurocup, he started in 20 out of 21 games, averaging 6.4 points and 3.8 rebounds.
NOTES – Ricci made his National Team debut on November 29, 2018, in Brescia, in an Italy win over Lithuania.”
Also, Olimpia Milano confirmed parting ways with Zach LeDay. Eurohoops had reported his exit.
Per the press release: “Olimpia Milan is thankful to Zach LeDay, for his professionalism, dedication, the results achieved, and the quality of his play expressed during the entire season that we spent together and wishes him all the best for his future.”
Photo Credit: EuroCup