By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Moving over the total of Luigi Datome, Daniel Hackett became the all-time leading scorer from Italy in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague.
Hackett, 35, contributed eight points in the balanced offensive effort pushing Virtus Segafredo Bologna to the blowout win against AS Monaco on Friday.
The 2019 champion broke the record by sinking a couple of free throws in the second quarter in Salle Gaston Medecin. Following the long-range shooting display of the Bologna outfit, the rest of his points were from beyond the arc, one triple in the first quarter and one more in the fourth quarter to end up with 2/6 from the field for the night.
The Italian combo guard jumped to 219 EuroLeague points as a member of Virtus Bologna. Previous experience in Europe’s premier club continental competitions amounted to 862 points with CSKA, 425 with EA7 Emporio Armani Milan, 279 with Montepaschi Siena, 249 with Olympiacos, and 249 with Brose Bamberg. Overall, he has 8.2 points per contest over 277 appearances.
Producing an early highlight to his 12th campaign in EuroLeague, the record was part of the team coached by Luca Banchi improving to 1-1. Returning to continental action with next week’s two-game stretch, the Italian club will be at home opposite ALBA Berlin on Wednesday and Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet on Friday.
Datome, 35, retired after the 2022-23 season wrapping up his career with 2,278 points. He required 13 seasons and 273 games played to set the initial record.
Photo Credit: EuroleagueBasketball.net