By Bugra Uzar / info@eurohoops.net
Nicolò Melli signed the contract to come back to Fenerbahce on a two-year deal, according to Eurohoops sources. The 33-year-old experienced Italian national team’s captain was one of the players Sarunas Jasikevicius wanted the most, and the official announcement is expected soon.
The former Brose Bamberg, New Orleans Pelicans, and Dallas Mavericks player left Olimpia Milano after winning three consecutive Italian championships in his second stint with the club. He parted ways with the powerhouse in Italy among uncertainty, being out of Ettore Messina’s plans for next year.
Recently speaking to Corriere della Sera, he said that he didn’t intend to leave the red-and-white team. “I wasn’t thinking about leaving Milan. I accept the legitimate decision by the club. I feel bad that it’s being written and said that I was the one to leave Milan”, he explained.
In his two previous seasons in Fenerbahce, he shared the court with countryman Gigi Datome. Together they won the 2018 Turkish League, the 2017 President Cup, and the 2019 Turkish Cup. They also reached the EuroLeague Final Four in back-to-back fashion but failed to win twice.
Nicolò Melli is currently preparing for the 2024 FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament with Italy in Puerto Rico, set to face Spain tomorrow in the second of their friendly games.
DONE DEAL: Nicolo Melli has reached an agreement with Fenerbahçe for 2 years contract and he is returning to Istanbul. Melli was one of the names that Coach Jasikevicius wanted the most. The official announcement is expected to be made soon.
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— Buğra Uzar (@bugrauzar24) June 24, 2024
PHOTO CREDIT: Turkish Airlines EuroLeague