Pozzecco doubles down on words about Melli: 'He's perfect for European game' / News - Basketnews.com

Gianmarco Pozzecco once again claimed that Nicolo Melli is one of the best he's seen in his career and praised Niccolo Mannion's future.

Credit: FIBA Credit FIBA

After Nicolo Melli shined against Nikola Jokic in the Round of 16 of EuroBasket 2022 earlier this month, the Italian national team's head coach Gianmarco Pozzecco proclaimed the forward to be the best in the world.

"Melli, for me, is the best player in the world. I said it after the match with Serbia, and I repeat it. His basketball IQ is tremendous, not only for what he does defensively but also for his proper reads on offense," the coach said back then.

Ahead of the Italian SuperCup semifinal match between EA7 Emporio Armani Milan, for whom Melli plays, and Virtus Segafredo Bologna, Pozzecco doubled down on his words.

"Yes and Nic knows that my words were neither a provocation nor flattery," the coach explained to La Gazzetta dello Sport. "He is perfect for the European game which is more physical and intense than the one in the NBA."

The coach also highly praised Niccolo Mannion and Alessandro Pajola throughout the tournament, telling that Mannion was going to become one of the best players in the world.

"It's part of my role to protect the team's investments," the coach told. "Pajo is a unique player in his role, Nico has a sensational career ahead of him for talent. If I've helped them find themselves, I'm just happy for them."

The first semifinal match of the Italian SuperCup is scheduled between Tortona and Sassari at 18:00 CET today while the clash between Olimpia and Virtus will begin at 20:45 CET.

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