Iconic Olimpia Milan coach Franco Casalini dies at 70 / News - Basketnews.com

Credit: imago images/Buzzi - Scanpix Credit imago images/Buzzi - Scanpix

The Italian basketball community has been saddened by tragic news today.

3-pointers this season

35%9,0Points made:9,0Accuracy:35,0%Place in standings:8Record max:14Record min:3Most made 3FGs:Devon HallTeamEuroLeagueStatisticsSchedule

Suddenly last night, Olimpia Milan's iconic coach Franco Casalini passed away at the age of 70. The cause of death is currently unclear.

After first serving as a youth coach, Casalini later joined the main team in 1987 as an assistant to head coach Dan Peterson. Together with his colleague, they managed to bring the Italian club back to the front of European basketball.

In Peterson's last year, the coaching duo won everything - the FIBA Club World Cup, the tricolor, the Italian Cup, and the then Champions Cup, the predecessor to the current EuroLeague, in a final still remembered today against Maccabi Tel Aviv. Following the season, Casalini was promoted to become the head coach.

"He was in love with Olimpia and what it represented, he was a loyal friend and companion," coach Pederson said following the news. "And if we look at the victories, how many can say they have done better?"

As a head coach, Casalini won one more Italian Championship. After retiring from coaching, Casalini served as a commentator on Tele+, and later on Sky Sports and Eurosport to become one of the most recognizable voices on the Italian scene.

"Person of rare intelligence and sensitivity. With him, I have lived unrepeatable moments," coach Mike D'Antoni expressed.

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