By Aris Barkas/ barkas@eurohoops.net
While the mystery about the rumored visit of Alessandro Gentile in Athens remains and Panathinaikos doesn’t confirm a possible meeting with the player, the Greek club is one of the few suitors of the Italian player.
Eurohoops can confirm that Panathinaikos has been in contact with Gentile and the Greens are open to a possible addition of him in their roster. Coach Xavi Pascual believes in his abilities and Panathinaikos has a central place in the career of his father, Nando Gentile.
The elder Gentile won the Euroleague with Panathinaikos in 2000 and his son spend three years of his life in Athens. Panathinaikos under conditions will be willing to sign Alessandro Gentile, however there are issues about his contract with EA7 Emporio Armani Milano which have to be resolved in order for a deal to happen. On the contrary, CSKA Moscow, Fenerbahce, Barcelona and Brose Baskets which were also linked with the player, have no intention to add him in their roster.
The only other Euroleague option for Gentile at this moment could be Baskonia which according to Spanish reports is not content with Chase Budinger’s contribution so far. If Gentile ends up in Panathinaikos, he will be eligible to make his debut in the first game of 2017 against Olympiacos.