The air in Milan is thick with expectation. EA7 Emporio Armani Milan, a club with a storied past but a recent EuroLeague playoff drought, has brought in a European champion: Marko Guduric. The Serbian guard, known for his clutch shots and unwavering resolve, is not just joining a new team; he`s embracing a new challenge, promising to ignite Milano`s push for glory. And he began this journey right where his own legend started.
A Decisive Debut: Full Circle in Belgrade
Guduric’s introduction to life in Armani white couldn`t have been more poetic. His competitive debut unfolded in Belgrade, the city where his professional career truly blossomed with Crvena Zvezda (Red Star). Despite a pre-season hampered by tendinitis, a lingering souvenir from the European Championship, Guduric wasted no time in making his presence felt.
In less than 17 minutes on the court against his former club, he delivered 10 points, notably converting three crucial three-pointers. These weren`t just any shots; they were game-changers, timely interventions that swung the momentum firmly in Milan`s favor. Coach Ettore Messina, a man not prone to hyperbole, quickly recognized the impact.
“We all felt he could help us immediately,” Messina stated. “He didn`t play much, but we tried to use him in key moments of the game and, like champions, he was decisive: he made the right decisions, important baskets and, most importantly, he gave tranquility and confidence to the team.”
It`s a subtle nod to the kind of player Guduric is: not necessarily the flashiest, but undeniably effective, a calming presence in the storm of high-stakes basketball.
The Playoff Imperative: Milan`s Stalled Ascent
For Olimpia Milano, the EuroLeague playoffs have become a distant memory, a frontier unexplored since 2022. Guduric, a European champion with Fenerbahce, arrives with a clear mandate: to end this drought. “The goal is to go to the playoffs and see what happens,” he declared with the understated confidence of someone who has been there, done that, and bought the t-shirt.
But his ambitions don`t stop at continental success. Milan also yearns for domestic supremacy, having missed out on both the Italian championship and Coppa Italia last season. Guduric sees the potential, a well-assembled squad ready to reclaim its rightful place.
“I don`t know why we missed out in previous seasons because I wasn`t here,” Guduric pondered, “but I think now we have a very good team, a good mix of experience, youth, and talent. I am motivated; this team deserves to be at least in the EuroLeague playoffs, and the club and organization, which are top-level, deserve it too.”
The Messina Factor and a Blended Roster
The decision to move to Milan was not taken lightly. Leaving Fenerbahce, a club he had called home for many years, meant stepping out of a comfort zone. Yet, the appeal of Olimpia`s project and the influence of Coach Messina proved irresistible.
“I spoke a lot with the coach, and that was a big reason why I decided to come,” Guduric explained. “I also spoke a lot with GM Stavropoulos, and I liked the project, the idea behind the club.”
He`s joining a largely revamped roster, a melting pot of seasoned veterans and hungry young talents. Familiar faces like Devin Booker, Lorenzo Brown, and Vlatko Cancar, whom he`s battled against previously, provide a foundation of experience. Complementing them are energetic newcomers such as Ellis, Bolmaro, and Mannion, eager to make their mark.
Leadership by Example: “No `I`, There`s `We`”
Perhaps most illuminating is Guduric`s perspective on leadership. He recoils from the singular title of “leader,” preferring a more collective, action-oriented approach. This isn`t about grand speeches or individual accolades; it`s about consistent, tangible effort.
“The word `leader`… I don`t like it,” Guduric asserted. “For me, leadership is leading by example. Talking can be important, but what you *do* is key. Making sure everyone is aligned, in the locker room and then on the court: understanding the goals and putting the team above individuals. I think we are all leaders; we all can be, and we will work in that direction: it`s a team game, and the team is the most important thing. There is no `I,` there is `we.` We must all be on the same page: believe in each other and in the coach. And have patience.”
This philosophy, honed over years at the pinnacle of European basketball, suggests a deep understanding of team dynamics. It’s a refreshing take in an era often dominated by individual narratives, and it bodes well for a Milan squad looking to forge a strong, cohesive identity.
The Road Ahead: Challenges and Aspirations
Guduric is under no illusions. The EuroLeague is a gauntlet, with clubs investing heavily and the competition intensifying year after year. Success, he acknowledges, will require unwavering dedication and, crucially, good health throughout the long season. “We have all the right pieces,” he noted, “but it will be important to stay healthy; it`s a long season, and we need everyone, and everyone must be ready to play, whether it`s 5 or 10 minutes, but all with dedication to the team.”
Ultimately, a successful season for Olimpia Milano, in Guduric`s eyes, means taking a “step by step” approach. Winning the Italian championship and Coppa Italia would signal a successful domestic campaign, a marked improvement from the previous year. In the EuroLeague, reaching the playoffs would be a significant stride forward.
With Marko Guduric`s blend of championship experience, unpretentious leadership, and a clear vision for collective success, Olimpia Milano stands on the cusp of what could be a truly transformative season. The journey is long, the challenges are many, but the intent is clear: to return to the summit of European basketball, one example-driven step at a time.
