Ekpe Udoh: 'I'm really proud to play for Virtus Bologna' / News - Basketnews.com

On Tuesday Virtus Bologna have officially introduced Ekpe Udoh, one of the main additions of their off-season. The 34-year-old big man has returned to the European market after spending several years between the NBA and the Chinese Basketball League. Udoh left Europe in 2017 after winning the EuroLeague with Fenerbahce and being named MVP of the Final Four.

"I'm very proud to be here in Bologna and to be back in Europe. I've been playing in China for the past few seasons, and last season wasn't my best, so now it's almost like redemption for myself. With the team that was assembled, I believe we can do great things. I'm ready to embrace this new experience and try to do my best to help the team," Udoh said during the press conference.

"I chose Virtus Bologna because of their roster and their head coach, Sergio Scariolo. They won the Italian league last season and that was a big step for the team. There are proven veterans and winners like Teodosic and Belinelli, a guy like Kyle Weems, who I've been playing against when I was in Turkey. I think it's a group composed of players who've already been in this position before, so for me, it was a great opportunity to join this team and play again at a high level," Udoh continued.

Paolo Ronci, the GM of the team, said that once a player with Udoh's experience became available, signing him was a no-brainer for Virtus. "We wanted to add a player with great qualities but also with great experience in the frontcourt. We talked to Ekpe several times during the negotiation, we all knew what he was capable of," said Ronci regarding negotiations. "Also, coach Scariolo spoke with the player and there was a lot of enthusiasm about the possibility of having him with us. Ekpe was our first choice for the role because he combines ability, experience, and winning mentality."

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