Messina addresses unique 'first-time' situation, says he feels half-Serbian / News - Basketnews.com

Ettore Messina notes journalist's silence in the Shabazz Napier saga: "After my statement, this is the first time in my life that a journalist does not reply. Usually, journalists have the last word."

Credit: ZUMAPRESS.com - Scanpix Credit ZUMAPRESS.com - Scanpix

EA7 Emporio Armani Milan achieved their sixth straight win against Crcena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade on Friday after winning the game on the road 93-71.

Player of the Game EFF 38 Maodo Lo Points 32 Accuracy 10-14 Rebounds 4 Assists 3

Despite the success on the court, one of the focal points in the post-game conference centered around Ettore Messina's connection with Shabazz Napier, the current point guard for Crvena Zvezda. Messina's alleged remark about Napier wanting to return to Milan once again became a prominent topic.

Before the Round 10 matchup, Messina said he joked that Napier would probably like to be in Milan and declared that the journalist who interviewed him took it as a statement.

During the press conference, the Italian coach reiterated his denial of the initial statements and highlighted the lack of response from the journalist.

"I already said, explaining everything. I can only add one thing. After my statement, this is the first time in my life that a journalist does not reply. Usually, journalists have the last word. When I said what happened and what he, the journalist, did, he did not even reply. He did not write one word about what I said," Messina said in the press conference.

"So, I know what happened, I know what I did," he continued. "I shook a hand with Shabazz at the end of the game because I really liked him and respected him last year. He helped us tremendously, and I just wished him the best."

"I just trusted the wrong person," Messina concluded the topic.

Shifting to a more positive note, the 64-year-old specialist expressed his admiration for Serbian basketball.

"I coached so many Serbian players that I feel half-Serbian. I have a lot of respect, connection, and togetherness with Serbian basketball," he said. "For me, it is always a pleasure to come here and compete against great teams and great coaches with all these fans."

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