By Cesare Milanti / info@eurohoops.net
MILAN, Italy – EA7 Emporio Armani Milan found its first victory of the 2023-24 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague season, beating Olympiacos 65-53. Most importantly, this was a night full of celebration in the Mediolanum Forum.
In what came out as Ettore Messina’s 300 career win in the EuroLeague, this night was dedicated to Gigi Datome’s celebration, as the 35-year-old legendary small forward recently retired from basketball. “I thought I wouldn’t get emotional again, and instead here we are. Not everybody had the privilege of feeling loved, respected, and esteemed even in tough moments like me”, the former Italian national team captain emotionally commented before the tip-off, entering Olimpia Milano’s Hall of Fame.
With 1:15 minutes left in the first quarter, history was witnessed: Kyle Hines came off the bench to step onto the court, becoming the All-Time EuroLeague leader for games played in the European competition, at 393. The fanbase in Mediolanum Forum greeted him with a heavy round of applause, and after the encounter, Georgios Bartzokas shared his satisfaction.
“I’m a big fan of his, he has my huge respect from the whole Olympiacos organization and fans. He gave everything in every team he played, he gave his heart“, the Greek head coach said about the American center, with whom he won the 2012-13 EuroLeague in Olympiacos.
Moreover, at halftime, the Italian team announced that Gigi Datome wasn’t the only one entering its Hall of Fame, showing a video with other six newcomers: Mason Rocca, Keith Langford, Curtis Jerrells, Rakim Sanders, Krunoslav Simon, and Vladimir Micov.
PHOTO CREDIT: EA7 Emporio Armani Milan
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