By Cesare Milanti / info@eurohoops.net
TURIN, Italy – When Igor Milicic’s Napoli added Jacob Pullen to its rotation back in the summer, a lot of doubtful thoughts came out. At the end of the day, the 34-year-old was coming off an experience in Kuwait, and needed to silence all the sceptical opinions about his status.
After a few exciting days in Turin, however, everybody is now fully convinced about the fact that the former Barcelona and Virtus Bologna guard can still hoop at the highest level, having taken down a EuroLeague established side like Ettore Messina’s Milano in the Italian Cup Final.
“We did it, you know. We did it!”, he first said when approached by Eurohoops on the court of Inalpi Arena after being crowned champions 18 years following Napoli’s first success in the LBA Final Eight. “It’s a big night, three games in 4-5 days. It was tough, but we have older guys who have played at the highest level”, he then said about his team, which beat Brescia, Reggio Emilia, and Milano.
Jacob Pullen (@Jpullz0) after winning the Italian Cup with Napoli making the winning three-pointer at the final minute:
“I won ACB, I made EuroLeague Final Four, but winning like this with the decisive shot… Ice on the cake, baby!”. pic.twitter.com/bBbheHd4IL
— Cesare Milanti (@cesaremilanti) February 18, 2024
Napoli has been criticized, especially in the latest part of the season. They were coming off three straight defeats in the LBA. “This is the chance for us to show people that we are a serious team. A lot of people didn’t put us in the Top-8 to start the season. Now you have to realize we have some guys: Tyler [Ennis], Markel [Brown], Zuba [Zubcic], Tariq [Owens]”, he then mentioned some of his teammates.
“At the end of the day, we can compete with anybody. We showed everybody that we can go. It’s about making shots. I can miss all night, but at the end of the game give me the ball!”, he then said after banking in the decisive shot to win the Italian Cup. He averaged 20.0 points (57.2% from two, 30.5% from three, and 92.0% at the line) and 7.0 fouls drawn in those three games.
Being asked if this was one of the best nights of his career, he had no doubts. “Yes. I won ACB, and I made EuroLeague Final Four, but winning the Italian Cup with the decisive shot… Icing on the cake, baby!”, Jacob Pullen finally added.
PHOTO CREDIT: Ciamillo-Castoria