Gigi Datome passes the torch on to Nicolo Melli: 'A part of me will keep playing in him' / News - Basketnews.com

Gigi Datome considers Nicolo Melli to be his successor in the Italian national team.

Credit: Italian Basketball Federation Credit Italian Basketball Federation

Italypaid tribute to Gigi Datome, who played his last game with the Azzurri jersey in the friendly game against Puerto Rico in Ravenna on Sunday night. Italy won 98-65, while the 36-year-old captain scored 5 points before a home audience of 4.000.

Nicolo Melli

Position:PFAge:32Height:205 cmWeight:100 kgBirth place:Reggio Emilia, ItalyProfileNewsStatistics

With 1'20'' remaining on the game clock, Datome left the court in an emotional moment. members of staff and his teammates were there to hug him and give a special flavor to "DatHome Day."

"I want to thank the Italian Federation, all those who were present," he told Sky Sport after the game. "I had family, and friends who were here, and everyone gave me incredible affection. I took a moment to think about it, it affects me to think that it's my last game in Italy. I feel calm, it's a beautiful moment and I'm happy," the veteran forward said.

"We're doing what we need to do. Our identity and our character came out. And you either have that or you don't. We must remain humble and hungry," Datome commented about the game.

"The journey of my career was crazy, I had a lot of fun," he further reflected. "I thank all those who have helped me in these years, but now we have to focus on the World Cup. This group is wonderful and we count the days that divide us from our premiere in Manila," Datome referred to the World Cup. On August 25, Italy will play Angola, before taking on the Dominican Republic and the Philippines.

At the end of the game, Datome had a moment with his friend Nicolo Melli, who will replace him as captain of the Italian squad. The 2017 EuroLeague champion with Fenerbahce was asked about his relationship with the Olimpia Milano forward.

"I've been fortunate. Having a friend with whom you share so much isn't to be taken for granted. If there's one person on this team to take on the role of captain, it's him. He's an example. In him, a part of me will keep playing," he told Sky Sport.

Andrea Bargnani called Datome "a great player, who embodied selflessness."

"It is very rare for a player with those offensive abilities to be detached from statistics or from wanting to score more points than the others," the retired big man commented.

"He is a player who likes to play for the team, he was only interested in the result. This is an important thing. You can be a phenomenon in many ways".

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