By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Complications from a recent illness prevent Tornike Shengelia from suiting up for Virtus Segafredo Bologna in Round 16 of the 2024-25 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Regular Season.
The Italian club updated his status on Tuesday and ruled him for the game against Olympiacos in the Peace and Friendship Stadium, SEF, on Wednesday. Pending reevaluation over the next few days, he is doubtful for Round 17 of the EuroLeague Regular Season and a home game against FC Barcelona on Friday.
Besides the 33-year-old Georgian forward, Marco Belinelli also missed Round 11 of Italy’s LBA UnipolSai Regular Season and a meeting with Trieste in Segafredo Arena on Sunday but the 38-year-old forward was cleared for the clash with the Reds in Greece.
“Olympiacos is very strong, especially at home, experience and with great players,” head coach Dusko Ivanovic previewed the approaching EuroLeague challenge, “At this moment, we have to find our character and energy to try and win every game.”
At 3-12, Vu Nere trails the seeds leading to the Play-In Showdown by five games with the top six spots guaranteeing a spot in the Playoffs six games away.
“They will be aggressive right from the start,” Will Clyburn described the approach of the next opponent, “They are coming off a loss in the EuroLeague, so I expect a very heated atmosphere. We will have to play a good game, controlling the pace and trying to keep their fans from firing up. We will have to play our basketball.”