Scariolo self-critical of his early decision: 'It was a misjudgment to go with a small roster' / News - Basketnews.com

Credit: Michele Nucci/LPS via ZUMA Press Wire Credit Michele Nucci/LPS via ZUMA Press Wire

Sergio Scariolo spoke to Italian media outlet La Gazzetta dello Sport about Virtus Bologna's problems this season, which are partly injury-related, but are also the result of a short roster, as the Italian coach admitted.

Tornike Shengelia

MIN:21.37PTS:14 (46.15%)REB:7As:3ST:0BL:2TO:2GM:1ProfileEuroCup2021/2022

Virtus are currently tied for 5th at 8-7 in EuroCup Group B, having dropped their latest home game to Cedevita Olimpija.

"Virtus have been in transition since August with revolving doors and players coming in and out," Scarilo maintains.

"The arrival of Hackett and Shengelia has imbued the group with experience, craft, mental strength, maturity, elements that the team did not have at these levels. And then, we lost Udoh and Abass, two defensive pillars."

Referring to the team's latest additions, the Italian coach praised both his fellow countryman and the Georgian forward.

"Hackett has great team experience, maturity, the ability to make reasonable decisions on offense without being James Harden. He strengthens the team in aspects in which it was deficient. These qualities are recognized by the team that gave him an excellent reception," he noted.

In the case of Shengelia, Scariolo made it clear that injuries made the signing an imperative.

"We have been more than three months without our starting power forward. A guy in constant development, like Alibegovic, did his best - and also well at times. Toko has proven to be at a high level. And I think he can play quality minutes even as a center: he has the size, the strength and the craft to do it," the 61-yesr-old pointed out.

Talking about the roster, Scariolo also admitted that his choice to go with only 12 men at the beginning of the season proved totally erroneous.

"Where the level is higher, we've paid a price for constantly playing with fewer players and for me choosing to start the season with 12 players. It was a product of my misjudgment. I wasn't a fan of long rosters. I found out the hard way why big teams have 16-18 players: to protect themselves from problems," he poignantly stressed.

Asked about Awudu Abass and his recovery time, Scariolo said "he still has a long way to go. No stupid risks should be taken. The priority is the total recovery of an important player- and also for Virtus' future."

Nico Mannion is another player who has gone through injury this season, but Scariolo doesn't want to put too much weight on the Italian-American guard's shoulders.

"He's one of our point guards behind starting players Pajola and Hackett. He should be ready to take advantage of the opportunities in another role. He is a 20-year-old boy who's had an abnormal, upstart rush. As the Latins say: nature doesn't make jumps. I have great confidence in him in the medium-term."

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