Nico Mannion's father: 'Virtus Bologna is the perfect environment for Nico's growth' / News - Basketnews.com

Credit: FIBA Credit FIBA

Nico Mannion, the latest addition of Virtus Bologna, comes from a sports family: his father, Pace Mannion, was a professional basketball player, who spent several years playing in Italy, while his mom, Gaia Bianchi, is a former professional volleyball player.

Nico Mannion

Position:SGAge:20Height:188 cmWeight:86 kgBirth place:ItalyProfileNewsStatistics

After the official signing of Nico with Virtus, his father explained to the Italian newspaper 'Il Resto del Carlino' how this signing was the best move for his son.

"Golden State Warriors' offer wasn't satisfying enough and didn't give us future guarantees. Nico did the right move when he decided to sign with Virtus, there he'll find the right environment for his growth. He'll work with Sergio Scariolo, one of the best coaches in the world. The results that he had with his previous teams speak for themselves. Plus Virtus Bologna fans are really passionate and they know basketball," said Pace Mannion.

"This is not a farewell to the NBA," Nico's father added. "But for the moment Nico has to think only about Virtus Bologna and how to help them win. This is the goal right now. In two years we'll see what's gonna happen."

Nico Mannion signed a two-year deal with the Virtus Bologna, which includes an NBA out in the summer of 2022. On the NBA market, Mannion remains a restricted free agent because the Golden State Warriors extended him a qualifying offer after the end of his two-way contract. Even his now-former teammate Draymond Green praised Mannion's decision to join the Virtus Bologna in his recent social media post.

Like what we are doing? Support us by becoming BN+ member.