Originally Published: 2009-03-08

“Ettore Messina is a great coach who would do well in the NBA.” Following Manu Ginobili’s comments, Andrea Bargnani too speaks about his former coach, emphasizing his qualities both on and off the court. Using few choice words – although not in full support of Corriere Canadese’s position in trying to convince Raptor authorities to bring the CSKA Moscow coach to Toronto – Il Mago’s (The Magician’s) comments are indicative of the esteem that exists between the two men.
“He was the coach who launched me into Serie A (Italy’s top league). He knows basketball like few others do, and I think that he would have no problem winning in the NBA as well.”
For now, Il Mago supports Jay Triano with whom he has an optimal rapport, seeing that it was Triano who give him his NBA break. Who knows what the future will bring.
Certainly, as Italian basketball federation president Dino Maneghin has stated, Bargnani would be happy to mature as an NBA player under the guidance of his former coach – he could well improve further and become an NBA star. As well, the arrival of a coach who is also a friend would offer emotional support and a better guarantee of playing time.
Messina in fact, as well as knowing the game’s secrets like few others, is also an optimal motivator who knows Il Mago better than anyone else. Bargnani, soon after the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves, wanted to clarify his position and dispel statements published in newspapers where he was purported to express some doubts and confusion over a possible arrival of the CSKA Moscow coach to guide the Raptors.
“I never said Ettore wasn’t ready for the NBA,” he confirmed. “I know Ettore because he was the one to give me my break so I can only speak well of him and assure you that he is definitely ready to take the big step to an NBA team.”
The Dino’s centre measures his words, careful not to create problems. This is why he speaks of Messina in general terms without considering the possibility that he may someday be sitting on the Canadian franchise bench, and offers a comment in favour of current coach Triano – Canadian of Italian origins – who was called upon during the current season to rectify the negative results former coach Sam Mitchell was achieving. The former Canadian national basketball coach – although he hasn’t been able to salvage the season thus far – has contributed to the explosion of Il Mago by putting faith in him and above all giving him more playing time compared to the previous management.

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