Virtus GM Baraldi evaluates the season, names one surprising thing / News - Basketnews.com

Baraldi names this season a success despite not making it to the playoffs. He was surprised seeing more than a hundred fans in the middle of the night in the airport supporting the team after a loss in Vitoria-Gasteiz, and declared there wouldn't be any roster additions.

Credit: Luca Sgamellotti/GettyImages Credit Luca Sgamellotti/GettyImages

Virtus Segafredo Bologna fell one step short of making it to the EuroLeague playoffs. Following the play-in exit, the club's general manager, Luca Baraldi, evaluated the international season.

Free throws this season

75%12,6Points made:12,6Accuracy:75,2%Place in standings:13Record max:21Record min:5Most made FTs:Tornike ShengeliaTeamEuroLeagueStatisticsSchedule

Talking with Il Resto del Carlino, Baraldi claimed this season to be a success.

"We are satisfied with the team's progress. We ranked ninth, and although there was a budget reduction, we improved on last year's fourteenth place. We won against important teams, and for a good part of the regular season, we were at the top of the table," he said.

"In the end, we achieved 18 wins and while it's true that it would've been nice to reach the playoffs, it's equally true that now we have to get to work because competing there must be our goal for next season."

Throughout the two seasons in the EuroLeague, Virtus fans have proven to be among the loudest despite playing in a bottom-five arena by capacity. The distinct attribute of every Virtus home broadcast was the way the camera shook after each more important basket due to the way the venue is uniquely built.

"When we arrived at the airport at half past three yesterday morning, I didn't expect to see more than a hundred fans there to cheer on our players, even though we were coming off the back of a defeat and an elimination. It is said that our fans are only there when we win, but I have to deny this rumor," Baraldi said.

"The EuroLeague has published a ranking in which it appears that we are in sixth place in terms of filling the arena, yet everyone knew that we were participating in this competition to try to get into the playoffs and not to get to the Final Four," the executive said. "I believe, however, that the fans are appreciating the work that this club is doing to get to where we are and to keep the commitments we have made."

Looking at the future, the focus now lies on the Italian League (LBA), where Virtus will try to capture the title after a two-year break. With the relative success of the roster this season, Baraldi is certain - Virtus are not going to look at the market for an addition.

"The group has proven to be very competitive in Europe, too. Our coach has focused on some players, and even in the championship, he always uses those same 10-12 guys, so it wouldn't make sense at this moment of the season to make an addition," Baraldi explained. "There won't be any departures presicely because the team has proven to be very competitive even while dealing with difficulties due to injuries. Let's stay as we are and move forward thinking one game at a time as we always have."

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