By Antonis Stroggylakis/ info@eurohoops.net
ANTWERP — In his first European stint, Mario Chalmers finds himself competing for a continental title.
Chalmers, a former two-time NBA champion with the Miami Heat, joined Virtus Bologna on March for his maiden European stint. The Italian team proceeded to advance to the Basketball Champions League Final Four with Chalmers on board and is now two wins away from the title.
“It’s a great opportunity,” Chalmers told Eurohoops. “Not only for me but for the whole team.”
It definitely is. For Bologna, winning the Basketball Champions League crown will end an nine-year drought for one of the most prestigious clubs in European basketball history.
The 2009 Eurochallenge is actually the only title that Virtus has claimed since the glory days of Manu Ginobili, Ettore Messina and so many others.
Now, Chalmers and his teammates have a chance to add another piece of silverware to the club’s illustrious trophy case.
“Hopefully we will get back to the winning stature that the team used to have and bring home the championship,” Chalmers said to Eurohoops.
In 2012 and 2013, Chalmers celebrated the back-to-back NBA titles as the starting point guard of the Miami Heat. He’s walked the path to the top and has some advices from his championship-winning ways for his teammates.
“Just enjoy the moment,” Chalmers said to Eurohoops. “The biggest thing for us coming out here is not letting the pressure on us. Play hard, play together. Never get too hot, never get too down. Make the right plays.”
“I feel good. I’m just coming out here. The team did a great job coming here. I’m trying to add my experience and do what I can to help the team win,” Chalmers added.