Luigi Datome opens up on Sloukas' move to PAO, names toughest EuroLeague rival / News - Basketnews.com

When it comes to the possibility of becoming a coach, Luigi Datome stated that he doesn't see himself in that role. He also named Will Clyburn as the most challenging player he had to face in the EuroLeague.

Credit: ZUMAPRESS.com - Scanpix, BasketNews illustration Credit ZUMAPRESS.com - Scanpix, BasketNews illustration

Italian basketball great Luigi Datome recently made an appearance on the Area 52 podcast, discussing various interesting topics.

Luigi Datome

Position:SFAge:35Height:203 cmWeight:100 kgBirth place:Montebelluna, ItalyProfileNewsStatistics

After winning EuroLeague in 2017 and claiming multiple accolades in Turkey and Italy during his illustrious career, Datome has decided to step back from the sport, announcing his retirement, which will take place following his participation in the FIBA World Cup 2023.

Throughout his career, the 35-year-old played for Montepaschi Siena, Givova Scafati, Virtus Roma, Detroit Pistons, Boston Celtics, Fenerbahce Istanbul, and Olimpia Milan.

Reflecting on the decision that led him to retirement, Datome shared, "I've had difficult times, so bad that even during my time at Fenerbahce, retirement crossed my mind. Last season, it was the first time my contract was going to expire so I started to think about it. I wanted to end my career as a 'true' player. I think the most traumatic part will be to get on the bus from the front door instead of the back door, as players always do."

When discussing the possibility of becoming a coach, Datome stated that he doesn't envision himself in that position.

"I don't see me in that role," he stressed. "I've had the privilege of working with many great coaches, and I know it requires tremendous mental strength. I think I'm more open to understanding the error than to underline it. Besides, I'm a quiet guy, and my coaching style might not align with those of coaches I had."

Despite announcing his playing days are nearly over, Datome remains in the basketball world and keeps up with the latest updates.

When asked about his former teammate Kostas Sloukas' unexpected move to Panathinaikos Athens, Datome revealed, "I was very surprised. But then I talked with him, and I understand more things. If someone suggests that Kostas made the move for financial reasons, it might be true. I said to my father I wouldn't do like him, and he told me, 'Because you are an a**hole.'"

Discussing his observations of EuroLeague teams over the summer, Datome expressed that Panathinaikos and Crvena Zvezda have notably improved.

"Panathinaikos and Zvezda made really big moves," he underlined. "I'm very curious about the impact of Luke Sikma to replace Sasha Vezenkov at Olympiacos, but also teams that changed a lot like Bayern and Baskonia."

Last but not least, Datome named the most challenging opponent to face in the EuroLeague.

"Will Clyburn was the most complete player I have to face in my position," he said. "But it's the team, the system to give you the strength to be comfortable even against the strongest opponents."

Luigi Datome's career achievements

EuroLeaguechampion (2017) 2×EuroLeague50–40–90 club (2018,2019) All-EuroLeague Second Team(2016) 3×Italian Leaguechampion (2004, 2022,2023) Italian League MVP(2013) All-Italian LeagueFirst Team (2013) Italian League Best Player Under-22(2009) Italian League All-Star(2011) 2×Italian Cupwinner (2021, 2022) Italian CupMVP (2021) 3×Turkish Leaguechampion (2016–2018) Turkish League Finals MVP(2016) 3×Turkish Cupwinner (2016,2019,2020) 2×Turkish Cup Final MVP(2019,2020) 2×Turkish Super Cupwinner (2016,2017) Turkish Super CupMVP (2017) Turkish League All-Star (2018) Support BasketNews so we could make even better content.