By Cesare Milanti / info@eurohoops.net
After ending his professional career at 35 years old, Gigi Datome will be celebrated by his last team, Olimpia Milano, on October 12 during the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague game against Maccabi Tel Aviv, the first one being played in the Mediolanum Forum.
“Datome has played 273 EuroLeague games during the course of his career, with 2,278 points scored, and 869 rebounds captured. He was a 43.9 percent career shooter from three-point range and a 90.8 percent free-throw shooter (fifth-best all-time). He also made 357 threes, 21st-best all-time. Datome will greet his supporters and the European fans during the pre-game ceremony“, Olimpia Milano‘s press release stated.
The 35-year-old will be Olimpia Milano’s latest addition to its Hall of Fame. “In conjunction with the event, Gigi Datome will be inducted into the Olimpia Milan Hall of Fame along with six other players. The names of the six newly inducted members, all linked to the Armani era of the club, who will figuratively accompany Datome will be revealed through a special video that will be shown during the halftime”, the official statement continued.
Entering a club of 37 legendary figures, Gigi Datome will see his name next to basketball idols such as Cesare Rubini, Dan Peterson, Franco Casalini, Mike D’Antoni, Dino Meneghin, Roberto Premier, Arthur Kenney, Joe Barry Carroll, Bob McAdoo, and many more.
Playing his last game ever at the 2023 FIBA World Cup against Slovenia, Gigi Datome ended an adventure that lasted from 2003 to 2023, representing tons of teams: Mens Sana Siena, Scafati Basket, Virtus Roma, Detroit Pistons, Boston Celtics, Fenerbahce, and Olimpia Milano. Moreover, he played 203 games with the Italian national team.
PHOTO CREDIT: Olimpia Milano