Iffe Lundberg on Luca Banchi: 'He believes in me' / News - Basketnews.com

Virtus Segafredo Bologna guard Gabriel "Iffe" Lundberg talked about his newfound roles within the team thanks to the leadership of Luca Banchi, the team's head coach.

Credit: Luca Sgamellotti via Getty Images Credit Luca Sgamellotti via Getty Images

Gabriel "Iffe" Lundberg had one of his feet out the door by the time Sergio Scariolo was sacked and replaced by Luca Banchi in Virtus Segafredo Bologna.

Virtus Segafredo Bologna / Schedule

Virtus Segafredo Bologna Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz91-95 Anadolu Efes Istanbul Virtus Segafredo BolognaTue18:00

Not clicking with Scariolo and being disregarded by the coach because of a potential incompatibility with the Italian specialist's style of play, Lundberg found himself a new role within the team under the tenure of Banchi.

In an interview with the EuroLeague, the Danish point guard elaborated on the changes and why he likes Banchi's trust and style of play.

"Once you put in the right element, I feel like you have more chances to show what you're really capable of, and I think that really shows this season," Lundberg said.

Banchi also gave his own remarks about Lundberg's precarious situation.

"When I took over the team, the player was out of the roster," he said clearly. "I believe Iffe is an important pillar of our system. He has very specific basketball skills, which makes him a perfect combo guard who can alternate between creative skills together with the qualities of a great scorer," he praised his point guard.

"Especially in the clutch, he already proved that he has the personality to take responsibilities and initiatives, and that's a good role in every team, not only in Bologna."

Suffice it to say Lundberg is appreciative of Banchi's trust and the role that he gives him.

"It's very easy to play for Coach Banchi, let me put it that way. Once there's trust, it's always easier to go out and perform," the guard said. "He believes in me. He thinks I am a good player, that I have certain talents. I like to hear that as a player, you always want to be on a good basis with whoever is the coach."

Points this season

47%80,2Points made:80,2Accuracy:46,7%Place in standings:11Record max:100Record min:57Best scorer:Tornike ShengeliaTeamEuroLeagueStatisticsSchedule

"I think I am being utilized more. Last year, I was playing a lot more off-ball, and that's not my strength. My strength is to have the ball in my hands and create not only for myself but also for my teammates," Lundberg continued, comparing this season to the last.

"That type of dynamic and chemistry in a group gives you an advantage of creating something special... I don't think really think of my role as something specific. Maybe the booster off the bench, trying to keep the level of the starting unit," he said, embracing his role.

As previously mentioned, being almost out of the team, Lundberg definitely believes he was being improperly utilized last season when he had averages of 8 points, 2.2 rebounds, and 2 assists on 29.7% three-point shooting per game.

"I think, for me, it's night and day, the changes in terms of the way that I play from this season and last season. I like this season better, obviously," he said with a chuckle.

"Our goal is to be recognized as one of the top teams in this league, and I think our performance shows that we want to be viewed as that. That's why we go out there and try to win every game, as every other team does," Lundberg concluded, expressing motivation ahead of the Play-In do-or-die showdown against Anadolu Efes Istanbul.

This regular season, Lundberg averaged 9.3 points, 1.9 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game on 34.5% three-point shooting.

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