By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net
Messina met with the Italian federation as “Gazzetta dello Sport” reported and a part time coach, like him, will not be able to cope with the extra work load. Italy should hire a full time national team coach, as most European teams will do due to the World Cup qualifying windows.
Messina as a coach in the San Antonio Spurs will not be available during those windows, as the NBA season will not be interrupted.
Meanwhile Italy is not counting on Andrea Bargnani who was released earlier in the season from Baskonia and also Alessandro Gentile who changed three teams during the season without being able to contribute to none of them, is also not expected to be called.
On the contrary Italy hopes to have Daniel Hackett available, despite the fact that he finished his season with Olympiacos injured.