Milan`s basketball aficionados are buzzing with a renewed sense of hope. The arrival of Serbian sharpshooter Marko Guduric, a European champion in his own right, signals a significant shift for EA7 Emporio Armani Milan. His recent debut, an unexpected yet impactful splash in Belgrade, has set a lofty tone for a season that now, more than ever, is brimming with ambition.
The Belgrade Spark: A Champion`s Return to Form
Just days ago, on September 30, 2025, the narrative of Olimpia Milano`s season began to crystallize in Belgrade. Marko Guduric, recovering from a pre-season bout of tendinitis, took to the court against his former team, Crvena Zvezda, a familiar territory for the 30-year-old. Despite limited minutes – under 17 to be precise – his presence was palpable. With the composed demeanor of a veteran and the daring of a true game-changer, he delivered three crucial three-pointers that decisively swung the momentum in Milan’s favor.
“We all felt he could help us immediately,” remarked Coach Ettore Messina, a man not prone to hyperbole. “He didn`t play much, but we tried to use him in key moments, and like all champions, he was decisive: he made the right decisions, scored important baskets, and most importantly, brought calm and confidence to the team.”
It was a poetic return for Guduric, who honed his skills for four years with Crvena Zvezda after arriving from his small hometown of Priboj. His debut was not just a personal milestone; it was a statement. The challenge continues tonight, October 2, 2025, on the same Belgrade stage, albeit against a different formidable opponent: Partizan, with Olimpia still missing the orchestrating presence of Lorenzo Brown, but with Guduric now firmly in the fold.
Marko Guduric (#23) making an impact in his debut for EA7 Emporio Armani Milan. (Photo by Srdjan Stevanovic/Euroleague Basketball via Getty Images)
Setting Ambitious Targets: The EuroLeague Playoff Pursuit
Having been a cornerstone of Fenerbahce`s EuroLeague success, Guduric is no stranger to the pinnacle of European basketball. His ambition for Milan is clear and unwavering.
“I don`t know what was missing in the last three seasons because I wasn`t here,” Guduric candidly stated, “but I think we now have a very good team, a good mix of experience, youth, and talent. I’m excited; this team deserves to be at least in the EuroLeague playoffs, and the high-level club and organization deserve it too. That`s why I think our goal this year must be to reach the playoffs. Getting there would be super: the EuroLeague is very difficult with clubs investing huge resources, and the top-level teams have increased.”
For context, Olimpia Milano`s last EuroLeague playoff appearance dates back to 2022. A significant drought for a club of its stature, making Guduric`s declaration not just hopeful, but a tangible benchmark for success.
The Architects of Ambition: Messina and Stavropoulos
Guduric`s decision to leave the familiar comforts of Fenerbahce for Milan was not made lightly. The influence of Coach Messina and General Manager Christos Stavropoulos was paramount.
“I spoke a lot with the coach, and that was a big reason why I decided to come,” he explained. “I also spoke a lot with GM Stavropoulos, and I liked the project, the idea behind the club.”
This suggests a carefully crafted vision, a compelling proposition that convinced a player of Guduric`s caliber to embrace a new challenge, stepping outside his established “comfort zone.”
Beyond Personal Disappointment: A Collective Hunger for Victory
While his summer with the Serbian national team might have brought its own disappointments, Guduric insists it only fuels his drive for club success.
“Definitely,” he affirmed. “But the national team is another thing. I just want to do well here, and I want to win. We have the right pieces; the motivation is always there. But for me, this is a new challenge: leaving Fenerbahce after many years for a new club and a new league, stepping out of the comfort zone, motivates me greatly. I like the team, what I see, and what we are building. Of course, there`s a lot of work to do, and nothing happens overnight or easily.”
The roster boasts a blend of familiar faces like Devin Booker, Lorenzo Brown, and Filip Cancar, alongside hungry young talents such as John Ellis, Leandro Bolmaro, and Nico Mannion. Guduric emphasizes the importance of staying healthy and maintaining a deep rotation, where every player, regardless of minutes, is dedicated to the team`s overarching mission.
Marko Guduric (#23) and Devin Booker (#6) collaborating on defense for Olimpia Milan. (Photo by Srdjan Stevanovic/Euroleague Basketball via Getty Images)
The Essence of Leadership: Actions Over Words
When pressed on his role as a leader, Guduric offered a refreshingly pragmatic perspective.
“The leader… I don`t like that word. For me, leadership is guiding by example. Talking can be important, but the key is what you do. Ensuring 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 can all be leaders, and we will work in that direction: it`s a team game, and the team is the most important thing. There`s no `I,` there`s `we.` We all need to be on the same page: believe in each other and in the coach. And have patience.”
This ethos of collective responsibility and leading by action bodes well for a team aiming to navigate the demanding dual fronts of domestic and European competition. Success, in Guduric`s view, would mean securing the Italian championship and Coppa Italia – trophies that eluded the team last year – and taking that “great step forward” in the EuroLeague playoffs.
A Long Road Ahead: Patience and Perseverance
Olimpia Milano`s journey has just begun, and the path to reclaiming past glories is notoriously arduous in modern European basketball. With Marko Guduric`s seasoned resolve and the team`s potent blend of talent and ambition, the season promises compelling narratives and fierce competition. The city of Milan watches with bated breath, hoping this new chapter brings long-awaited success, proving that for this team, it’s not just about reaching the playoffs, but about truly belonging there.
Murray Blackwood 
Finlay Hurst