By Cesare Milanti / info@eurohoops.net
After not making one single official announcement before today, Virtus Bologna decided to reveal its full roster for the upcoming LBA and EuroLeague 2024-25 season.
The biggest newcomer for the Italian black-and-white side is Will Clyburn, set to play for the first time in his career in Italy. EuroLeague champion with CSKA Moscow in 2019, he moved to Anadolu Efes in 2022 to try to help Ergin Ataman’s team find the three-peat alongside Vasilije Micic and Shane Larkin.
Despite not reaching success in the EuroLeague with the Turkish side, the 2019 EuroLeague Final Four MVP still won a Turkish championship and Cup with Efes. In the 2023-24 EuroLeague season, he couldn’t bring his team to the Playoffs but still put up 13.8 points and 5.4 rebounds per game.
Virtus Bologna and Will Clyburn crossed paths in the first-ever EuroLeague Play-In showdown, as the Italian team managed to upset Anadolu Efes on the road. Despite the loss, the experienced 34-year-old small forward still had 22 points over 6/12 from beyond the arc with 5 rebounds.
Matt Morgan is coming from the BKT EuroCup
Alongside Will Clyburn, one offensive specialist is heading to the Italian black-and-white backcourt, climbing up competitions after delivering in the BKT EuroCup.
It’s the case of Matt Morgan, who will strengthen Luca Banchi’s team. The 26-year-old guard, who has been stealing the show in the Summer League with Charlotte, promised 16.5 points per game with the London Lions in last year’s European competition.
Andrejs Grazulis, who is coached by Luca Banchi with Latvia, also played the BKT EuroCup with Trento and averaged 9.1 points and 4.3 boards per game.
Virtus Bologna finalized its roster by announcing the arrival of three Italian players. Nicola Akele, who played in Brescia last year, Riccardo Visconti, who’s coming off a season in Pesaro, and Momo Diouf, one of the most promising Italian talents who spent the 2023-24 campaign in the Basketball Champions League with Rio Breogan are all set to play in the EuroLeague next year.
Ognjen Dobric coming back to Crvena Zvezda?
Unlike other names, Ognjen Dobric isn’t present in Virtus Bologna’s roster. The Serbian small forward is now set to reunite with Crvena Zvezda, as previously reported by Meridian Sport.
Tornike Shengelia and Marco Belinelli are confirmed for the 2024-25 season, just like other players who already extended their stay during the 2023-24 season.
It’s the case of Alessandro Pajola, Isaia Cordinier, and Daniel Hackett, among others.
PHOTO CREDIT: Turkish Airlines EuroLeague