By Aris Barkas/ barkas@eurohoops.net
Andrea Bargnani returned to Euroleague with a vengeance. Not only did he register a new personal best with 26 points in the win against Anadolu Efes but he also gave a swift answer to some of the criticism he has received for his “defensive capabilities”.
“Some people say Andrea Bargnani is not the best defender”, said a journalist starting his phrase and Bargnani didn’t let him complete his sentence. “People say a lot of things. These people, where did they play?”, answered a visibly irritated Bargnani: “I played in the NBA, I played as a pro for years. Who is saying that? You? Oh, okay you are saying somebody said it, so I can answer somebody said that… I know we are pro athletes, we are exposed to good and bad comments. When we play good, we are gods. When we play bad, we are very bad…”
Bargani is one of the key members of Baskonia, which last season reached the Euroleague Final Four, but lost almost all its core during the summer and also changed coach. That’s why the win against Anadolu Efes, which has former Baskonia coach Velimir Perasovic in its bench can be considered a message for things to come.