Luca Banchi reveals hilarious Porzingis story, his Top 5 players / News - Basketnews.com

Luca Banchi revealed that Kristaps Porzingis didn't recognize him when they first met.

Credit: FIBA Credit FIBA

Zalgiris Kaunas head coach Andrea Trinchieri switched his profession a little bit and interviewed Virtus Segafredo Bologna tactician Luca Banchi.

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Banchi openly talked about various topics, including his Top 5 players, painful defeats, and experience with the Latvian national team.

Banchi revealed that the first time he met Kristaps Porzingis, the Latvian star didn't recognize him.

"I never dreamed of becoming the national team head coach, especially of a country that's not mine: Latvia. The first time I met Porzingis, I was already working with the national team. We met on the street, I approached him, but he didn't recognize me," Banchi said.

"He thought I was a fan asking for an autograph. I introduced myself: 'I'm Luca Banchi, I'm the coach of Latvia.' That's how our relationship began. They experienced bitter disappointments, which meant there was a different level of acceptance for a foreign coach.

There was a strong desire for redemption and liberation because these are small countries with huge hearts. Your performance has the power to affect people emotionally," Banchi continued.

LatviaCredit FIBA

After being asked to name his Top 5 players, Banchi gave a lengthy answer, providing plenty of stories.

"Terrell McIntyre as a playmaker," Banchi began. "I'd put Charlie Bell as a shooting guard. He was the top scorer in Italy and then in Spain, too. I've got some doubts about the small forward. As you know, I coached Silvio Gigena for many years. Silvio was the cornerstone of that team and basketball program. A symbol of that Livorno team."

"Near the rim, I'd put Shaun Stonerook as number four because he's like a certain item of clothing: a security blanket that you can wear with everything.

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As for number five, I've got a surprise. I'll put Brad Miller. Before reaching All-Star status, he began his professional career in the second division at Livorno. We convinced him to sign, and his first few months were amazing.

One day, I got a call from his agent, Mark Bartelstein, and he goes: 'So, guys, we are leaving. Brad has a plane leaving for Charlotte tomorrow. He signed for the Hornets.' I said, 'No, we are playing in Roseto on Sunday.' It's a clash between two top teams, so I said no way.

I hung up the phone and picked up Sporting News NBA Guide and looked for the Charlotte Hornets phone number. I dial the number and go, 'It's Luca Banchi, I'd like to speak with Dave Cowens.'

We had a lovely chat, but unfortunately, Brad didn't come to play in Roseto. However, we still won the game," Banchi added.

Luca BanchiCredit ZUMAPRESS.com - Scanpix

Despite receiving a question about the most painful defeat, Banchi couldn't choose one.

"There were too many. It's a tough question because you tend to forget victories, but you'll always remember defeats," Banchi revealed.

"All my experiences in my career are linked to defeats. It includes the most recent one, even though it was successful during the World Cup with Latvia.

We had a successful campaign and finished 5th. But the disappointment of the quarterfinal against the eventual winners, Germany, remains. Davis Bertans missed right on the buzzer.

On a professional level, the defeat in the Italian league semifinal against Sassari affected me the most. Even if people say that a win or a defeat by a point will never determine the destiny of a coach, I can attest that it's the opposite.

Had I won that game, and had I gone on to win the championship, I would probably have had the opportunity to complete my mission. Maybe the third season [with Milan] would have had a logical ending, and I would have also managed to get the most out of certain players," Banchi concluded.

Full conversation:

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