As the curtain rises on another exhilarating basketball season, EA7 Emporio Armani Olimpia Milano has laid its cards on the table, presenting a formidable septet of new talents poised to redefine their ambitions for the 2025/2026 campaign. In a strategic move that blends seasoned prowess with promising youth, the storied Italian club sets its sights on honoring a rich 90-year legacy while forging a path towards continental supremacy.
The Grand Unveiling: A Statement of Intent
Just 48 hours shy of their season debut, Olimpia Milano hosted an event at Scalo Milano, a spectacle for the fans, to officially introduce their “Magnificent Seven” new additions. This wasn`t merely a roll call of fresh faces; it was a deliberate statement of intent, a clear signal that Milano is not just participating but competing with serious aspirations both domestically in the LBA and across Europe in the demanding EuroLeague.
The atmosphere was electric, a testament to the fervent support surrounding a club that, for nine decades, has been synonymous with Italian basketball excellence. The timing couldn`t be more symbolic, with the club celebrating its 90th anniversary – a monumental milestone that underscores a deep commitment to both its illustrious past and a dynamic future.
A Roster Reimagined: The Seven New Pillars
Seven new narratives, seven fresh skill sets, and arguably, seven new dilemmas for opposing coaches. Olimpia Milano`s general manager, Stavropoulos, articulated the club`s philosophy succinctly:
“This is a beautiful mix of experienced and young players. We will do everything possible to honor Mr. Armani.”
This statement encapsulates the strategic vision behind these acquisitions. Let`s briefly meet the players set to don the iconic red and white:
- Marko Guduric: A EuroLeague champion, Guduric brings a sharpshooting touch and playmaking ability that could significantly elevate Milano`s perimeter offense. His experience in high-stakes games is invaluable.
- Lorenzo Brown: A dynamic guard whose explosive athleticism and court vision promise to add a new dimension to the team`s backcourt. His ability to create for himself and others will be critical.
- Devin Booker: Not the NBA star, but a formidable power forward known for his rebounding, interior scoring, and defensive versatility. Booker provides a much-needed physical presence in the paint.
- Quinn Ellis: A younger talent, Ellis represents the future. His acquisition aligns with the club`s commitment to developing promising prospects, offering energy and potential growth.
- Vlatko Cancar: A versatile forward with EuroLeague and NBA experience, Cancar offers size, shooting, and defensive adaptability, making him a flexible asset for various lineups.
- Bryant Dunston: A defensive anchor and rim protector, Dunston is a EuroLeague veteran known for his shot-blocking and rebounding. His leadership and presence will fortify Milano`s defense.
- Leonardo Totè: An Italian big man who adds depth and physicality to the frontcourt. His domestic experience will be crucial for LBA games and provides valuable rotation minutes.
This carefully curated group, as Stavropoulos suggests, balances the wisdom of veterans with the hunger of emerging talents. It’s a delicate alchemy, but one that Milano believes will yield championship gold.
Echoes of the Past: Simmenthal`s Return
Beyond the fresh faces, the event also brought a poignant nod to Olimpia Milano`s glorious past with the announcement of the renewed partnership with Simmenthal. For generations of fans, Simmenthal wasn`t just a sponsor; it was virtually synonymous with Olimpia. Their original partnership spanned 17 seasons from 1956, during which Milano secured an astonishing ten Italian championships, two Cup Winners` Cups, and an Italian Cup.
In an era where commercial relationships can often feel purely transactional, this renewal injects a dose of romanticism, intertwining the club`s present aspirations with its most successful chapters. It serves as a powerful reminder that while the roster evolves, the club`s soul and legacy endure.
The Road Ahead: Challenges and Aspirations
With a revamped roster and a deep sense of historical pride, Olimpia Milano is now tasked with transforming potential into performance. The EuroLeague remains an Everest, a competition where every possession is a battle and every game a test of nerve and skill. Domestically, the LBA is no less forgiving, requiring consistency and strategic depth.
The “Magnificent Seven” aren`t just names on a jersey; they are pieces of a complex puzzle that Stavropoulos and his coaching staff must assemble. The early season will be a period of integration, fostering chemistry, and defining roles. The pressure is palpable, but so is the excitement. If these new additions gel as envisioned, Olimpia Milano could well be a force to reckon with, not only celebrating 90 years of basketball brilliance but also setting the stage for a new era of dominance.
The future, as it often does in sports, hangs in the balance of execution and adaptation. But as Milano takes to the court for their 90th season, they do so with a refreshed squad and a clear message: they are here to win, and they are ready to honor the legacy of their past, one strategic move at a time.
Finlay Hurst 
Murray Blackwood