In the absence of an agreement reached with the German federation to recruit the recent world champion Gordon Herbert, Asvel has just made its second choice official this Wednesday. This is the coach of the Italian national team, Gianmarco Pozzecco, who obtained the agreement of his federation to have the double Nazionale-Asvel cap.
At 51, the former international playmaker nicknamed “the atomic fly” is known for his volcanic character, including since he became coach in 2012. Capable of literally tearing his shirt or jump into the arms of a Giannis Antetokounmpo who passed by after an incredible victory against Nikola Jokic’s Serbia (94-86), in the round of 16 of Eurobasket 2022.
“He will give new impetus to our season”
Featured in the Asvel press release as “one of the most charismatic characters in European basketball”, and “a coach with boundless enthusiasm and a unique personality”, the former assistant to the legendary Ettore Messina in Milan (in 2021-2022) was able to convince Tony Parker . “I am very happy to welcome Gianmarco,” confides the Villeurbanne president, who formalized the dismissal of his younger brother TJ on Friday. He will give new impetus to our season by bringing his enormous energy and his high-level experience. I can’t wait to see the first effects of his arrival on the field. »
These will be essential since Asvel, only 7th in Betclic Elite (5 wins and 3 losses), has been at a standstill for many months in the Euroleague, with three losses since the start of the season, but above all 17 in a row if we take into account the end of the 2022-2023 financial year, which it concluded as the bottom of the most prestigious European competition. A “Poz” effect is therefore hoped for from Friday (8 p.m.) and the reception of the Virtus Bologna.