Team Breakdown: Virtus Segafredo Bologna

Cedevita Olimpija’s first game in the Eurocup Top16 will be against one of the main favorites for the title in the competition, Virtus Segafredo Bologna. Basically the only goal for Bologna in this season is to win the competition and advance to Euroleague.

They build a really good squad with a lot quality and depth and are the only undefeated team in Eurocup in this season. In Italy they managed to lose 5 matches and surprisingly all five loses came when they played at home but with no fans on the stands, the home court factor is minor in this unpredictable season.

The club has a rich history with playing at the highest level and so many great players played for the club amongst them also Sani Bečirović who is now the sports director of Cedevita Olimpija. I won’t go deep in the history of the club, I’m way more interested in the present and future.

Last 5 games from Virtus Segafredo Bologna in all competitions:

20/12: at Treviso 98–72
Top scorers: Teodosić 20 (9 assists), Alibegović and Hunter 14

22/12: vs MoraBanc Andorra 92–81
Top scorers: Adams 33, Weems 18, Tessitori 15

27/12: vs Olimpia Milano 68–73
Top scorers: Hunter, Teodosić and Gamble 12, Belinelli 9

30/12: vs Pesaro 100–80
Top scorers: Teodosić 19, Belinelli 16, Marković 15 (7 rebounds, 9 assists)

9/1: at Trento 92–85
Top scorers: Weems 17, Belinelli 15, Teodosić 14 (11 assists)

OFFENSE

• Very efficient in offense, looking for the best possible option
• They are playing team basketball with 75.2 % of their field goals being assisted — the most in Eurocup
• Teodosić their cornerstone and he runs a lot of pick&rolls and is their main creator in offense
• They like to run in transition especially their wings and bigs are looking for easy fastbreak points
• A lot of off-ball screens and weakside cuts
• Many offensive options that could score in double digits

DEFENSE

• One of the best defensive teams in the competition in all statistical parameters — lowest defensive rating in Eurocup
• Protect the rim very good with Gamble and Hunter being their main rim protectors — best team in Eurocup in BLK%
• Active hands in defense and make a lot of deflections and interceptions-best team in Eurocup in STL%
• Teodosić a big weakness in defense — on ball and off ball

ROSTER

#0 Amedeo Tessitori (C | 208 cm | ‘94)

Rolled his ankle on the game vs Pesaro and is out for the match today. A mobile big man with good shooting stroke from mid-range and solid low post game. Pretty good rebounder too. His reactions in defense could be better.

#1 Lorenzo Deti (G | 188 cm | ‘01)

A youngster from their youth academy. He was getting some garbage time in Eurocup in regular season but doubt he will play any minutes now in Top16. Not the most reliable ball handler and turnover prone but has solid court vision and can find open team mates.

#3 Awudu Abass (F | 198 cm | ‘93)

Athletic wing and a versatile defender. With his size and athleticism he can cover many positions in defense and does his job very well. Plays pretty physical on both sides. Not the most consistent shooter but his main roles in this team are on the defensive side.

#6 Alessandro Pajola (G | 194 cm | ‘99)

Another young player from their youth academy. He was getting more minutes in regular season but because of the injury he won’t play today. A high basketball IQ player that makes really good decisions for a player his age. Lacks shot from distance and more a pass first point guard.

#7 Amar Alibegović (F | 205 cm | ‘95)

Son of Slovenian basketball legend Teoman Alibegović. Important role player in this team. Has good size and frame and a solid athlete too. Can play inside and outside, good finisher around the rim and can absorb the contact. Pretty stiff legs in defense and not the best lateral movemenets.

#9 Stefan Marković (G | 198 cm | ‘88)

A known player to most basketball fans. High IQ guard with great court vision and passing game, limited offensivelly as a scorer and shooter. On the defensive end usually guarding the best offesive player on perimeter.

#11 Giampaolo Ricci (PF | 201 cm | ‘91)

Stretch forward mostly operating behind the three point line. Good spot up shooter from distance and Teodosić and Marković know how to create open looks for him. Solid defender too.

#14 Josh Adams (G | 188 cm | ‘93)

Athletic guard that can explode in offense in any moment. Pretty inconsistent so far this season, played some amazing matches and some really poor one’s. Good shooter from distance while can also get to the rim with his athleticism and make some highlight dunks.

#18 Marco Belinelli (SG | 195 cm | ‘86)

Hasn’t played an Eurocup match so far but we know what we can expect from him. Even though he is still not in the best shape he can put some scoring numbers. Great scorer and shooter and needs to be guarded closely. Runs really good around screen and with his experience knows how to get open looks. Probably after Mirotić to Barcelona one of the biggest signings in Europe in last years.

#32 Vince Hunter (C | 203 cm | ’94)

Undersized athletic big. Quick feet and a good pick & roll player. With his high and explosive leap he can play above the rim and act as an alley oop target and Teodosić knows that for sure. Active hands and good anticipation for steals in defense too.

#34 Kyle Weems (SF | 198 cm | ’89)

Important player on the wing for this team. Plays mostly off ball and has great instincts for cuts while also a solid corner three spot up shooter. Plays aggressive and physical on the defensive end.

#44 Miloš Teodosić (PG | 195 cm | ‘87)

Probably no introduction needed here since we all know him very well. Elite court vision and passer, has great passing touch and can deliver passes in all directions and on all levels. Great pick & roll player and reads the court well. Good and consistent shooter from distance too. His weaknesses are on the defensive side, where he lacks commitment and focus most of the time while also doesn’t have the athleticism to guard more athletic players..

#45 Julian Gamble (C | 208 cm | ‘89)

Protects the rim well and very good interior presence in offense too. Knows how to get the best position on low post, can push defenders completely under the rim and is a good finisher around the rim. Left hander and bad shooter, limited mostly to finishes around the rim.

KEYS FOR CEDEVITA OLIMPIJA’S WIN

A lot of things need to be done the correct way to win against Virtus but they are by no means unbeatable.

• Focus: Well, this should be a key to win on every match but it will be especially important in today’s match. Virtus has so many offensive options and high IQ players that know how to take advantage over that. Players from Olimpija must be present all game long — in offense and defense.
• Make Teodosić work in defense: probably one of the main goals. He is just not committed enough on the defensive end and teams need to take advantage on that. Attack him with drives, move as much as possible if he is guarding off-ball, run around screens, attack from low post... whatever, just don’t let him rest.
• Watch out for weak side cuts: their wings players especially Weems and Ricci like to cut to the basket from the weakside when the defense focuses too much on the pick & roll action at the top. Be prepared for that.
• Stop their transition: they are great defensive team, steal a lot balls and like to run in transition after that. Also after a basket they are trying to bring the ball forward as fast as possible and look for easy points. Teodosić, Belinelli and Adams are also capable to stop and take a quick three point shot in transition.
• Don’t let Belinelli get hot: even though he is not in the best shape yet he shouldn’t get any open shots and should work hard to get an open look.
• Don’t let Gamble get to deep in the paint: he is strong and knows how to move bodies completely under the rim. As a left hander most of his finishes are with his left hand. He shouldn’t get completely under the rim and should operate more outside the paint where he is not so efficient.