By Cesare Milanti / info@eurohoops.net
MILAN, Italy – Right after winning the 2023 FIBA World Cup with Johannes Voigtmann – who spoke highly of him -, he was set to begin his first professional experience outside of Germany after playing with Brose Bamberg, Bayern Munich, and ALBA Berlin, joining Milan in the EuroLeague and LBA.
The season in Italy for Maodo Lo, however, turned out to be more difficult than what he expected on paper, between injuries and limited playing time. In the final stretch of the season, he only played in Game 3 and Game 4 of the Quarter-Finals series against Trento.
In the aftermath of Milan’s celebration following the Italian championship victory, the German point guard spoke about his season. “I’m happy to have had the experience this year with this amazing group. Individually unfortunately I had a lot of injuries, which is always difficult to deal with”, he first said.
However, it’s undeniable that the former ALBA Berlin playmaker ended the year as a champion. “But it’s been a great year with a lot of great experiences. I’m happy to get the win and celebrate with a championship at the end”, Maodo Lo added, heading to the Olympic Games with Germany.
In the EuroLeague, despite recording his career-high with 32 points against Crvena Zvezda on the road, he finished by averaging 7.6 points and 2.7 assists per game. “Everything is a learning experience. You learn from injuries and obstacles, so I’m very happy that the season ended with a success. It only makes you stronger and I’m very happy for the future”, the 31-year-old concluded.
First season, first Italian championship
Nikola Mirotic also talked to Eurohoops in the aftermath of Game 4. “Very blessed to live this moment, at this point of my career. This trophy means a lot to me, especially being here in my first year in Italy, being coached by Ettore [Messina]. I really wanted to live this moment with him”, he first said.
The LBA Finals MVP praised the support of the red-and-white fanbase. “I’m very very happy, and to be honest those fans deserve it. Especially because they were with us during the season even though things weren’t going great. The guys who are here know the importance of this trophy, in the Italian league”, he added.
Ending with the individual accomplishment and celebrating the domestic league title in his first season in Italy, he was crucial in pushing Milan to the three-peat with an outstanding double-double of 30 points and 10 rebounds in Game 4 against Virtus Bologna.
Veni, vidi, vici 👑
Nikola Mirotic named LBA Finals MVP on his first season in Italy: pic.twitter.com/pb6fBZyUi0
— Cesare Milanti (@cesaremilanti) June 13, 2024
PHOTO CREDIT: EA7 Emporio Armani Milan