Messina on Milan's playoff chances, Pangos' return, Deshaun Thomas' future / News - Basketnews.com

Ettore Messina addressed Armani Milan's situation, emphasizing his players' efforts. The Italian specialist also referred to Kevin Pangos and Shavon Shields' estimated return time, as well as Deshaun Thomas' future with the team.

Credit: Dainius Lukšta Credit Dainius Lukšta

During the Christmas meeting with the press, Ettore Messina spoke about EA7 Emporio Armani Milan's current momentum in the EuroLeague.

3-pointers this season

33%8,7Points made:8,7Accuracy:33,0%Place in standings:10Record max:15Record min:4Most made 3FGs:Nazareth Mitrou-LongTeamEuroLeagueStatisticsSchedule

Right now, Milan stand at 4-10, way below the playoff zone. However, the experienced tactician has no intention of throwing the towel.

"I'd wait a little longer before giving up on the EuroLeague. We're behind but a streak of victories is enough to return to the playoff zone. My players are good person; they care and they show it every day in practice. Maybe, every now and then, more wickedness would be needed," the Italian specialist thinks.

"We did 58 training sessions, we never had the whole group available. Then, you have every right to think that mistakes have been made in building the team or in the way you train it," Messina went on to argue.

"Pangos and Shields are two fundamental elements," he pointed out. "They are the players who create our advantages on offense and who take on many responsibilities at crunch time.

They have only played 5 games together but we have won 4, including two away games in Belgrade and Monaco."

Messina clarified that the two players' recovery time won't end "before the end of January".

"A year ago, the injuries came later. We already had a core of players. Let's move forward with this roster," Messina commented on potential new additions.

Deshaun Thomas has so far played only seven games for Milan in the LBA, with 9.9 points per contest, and 10 in the EuroLeague, with 3.4ppg. In fact he has been out since December 8, when he scored 5 points against Panathinaikos.

In the games against Maccabi and Crvena Zvezda in last week's EuroLeague double round, the 31-year-old forward didn't appear for a single minute.

It is legitimate to wonder if the player is leaving the team, but Ettore Messina replied that Thomas "is practicing. If he serves our plan, he will play."

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