Gianmarco Pozzecco: 'Nicolo Melli is the best player in the world' / News - Basketnews.com

Gianmarco Pozzecco called Nicolo Melli the best basketball player in the world with a sensational IQ.

Credit: FIBA Credit FIBA

Gianmarco Pozzecco took over FIBA EuroBasket 2022 when Italy achieved a huge upset win against the favorite, Serbia.

Player of the Game EFF 27 Marco Spissu Points 22 Accuracy 7-11 Rebounds 4 Assists 6

The Italian specialist was ejected from the game, left the court in tears, and later celebrated the victory as nobody did. He fell on his knees ecstatic and jumped on Giannis Antetokounmpo to celebrate with him.

Pozzecco's post-game comments were as vivid as his celebrations.

"Melli is the best player in the world," Pozzecco stated after the match, via Gazzetta dello Sport.

"Nico has a sensational IQ in basketball and not only on the basketball court. I have never seen someone like him in my 40 years of basketball. He always knows what to do in any game situation," added the 49-year-old specialist.

Indeed, Melli was instrumental to Italy's success. EuroLeague veteran finished the game with 21 points (4/9 2PT, 3/9 3PT, 4/4 FT), 6 rebounds, 4 assists, and 17 EFF.

He connected a couple of crucial shots from downtown in the second quarter when Serbia was running away from their opponents (38-24), keeping Italy in the game.

Melli and the whole Italian team deserved to get Pozzecco's credit card after the historical win.

"They can do whatever they want [with the card] to celebrate the victory," Gianmarco Pozzecco told the Italian media outlet.

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