By Aris Barkas/ barkas@eurohoops.net
That was not supposed to be the story of this team. The roster includes Lithuanian NBA prospect Arnoldas Kulboka and French forward Damien Inglish, who was drafted back in 2014 by the Milwaukee Bucks with the 31st pick.
In theory, just those two names should make the Italians a very interesting group. Kulboka is considered one of the best players of his age in Europe and despite being 19 years old, he can hold his ground on the court. Inglish returned to Europe in order to get playing time and the chance to prove that he belongs in the top level, at least of the old continent.
Everyone was expected to see how they will do in the Basketball Champions League. However, after a 0-5 record and a home defeat by 30 this week (90-60) against Neptunas Klaipeda, it’s obvious that something should change if Orlando wants to be really competitive.
Kulboka with 8,7 ppg and Inglish with 11,5 ppg have been steady contributors, but not the kind of players who can make a difference. The bad news for coach Gennaro Di Carlo is that so far no other player on his roster has been able to give solutions to the team’s woes.
That’s why the duo of Kulboka and Inglish must help themselves and also help the team in order to avoid their current state. Coach Di Carlo is giving them a fair chance. They stay on the court for more than 25 minutes, they have his confidence and they need to respond.
The good news for the team is that Dustin Hogue who couldn’t register for Karsiyaka signed with them. Hogue, the top rebounder of the Greek league in the 2015-16 season and a key member of Trento which reached the Legabasket finals last season, can give physicality and athleticism to Capo D’ Orlando.
Can his presence make a difference in the rest of the season, starting from next week’s road game against Ventspils? We will know on Tuesday.
Photo credit: championsleague.basketball