A seasoned champion returns from the sidelines, not with a roar, but with a quiet, decisive impact. Marko Gudurić`s arrival at Olimpia Milano marks more than just a new signing; it signals a philosophical shift and a bold push towards EuroLeague glory.
The Return of a Champion: Immediate Impact in Belgrade
For any athlete, a debut after an injury layoff is fraught with anticipation, even more so when it’s against your former club in your home country. Marko Gudurić, the 30-year-old Serbian guard and EuroLeague champion, faced precisely this scenario. After a pre-season hampered by tendinitis carried over from the European Championship, Gudurić finally donned the Armani jersey, making his first appearance for Olimpia Milano in Belgrade against Crvena Zvezda.
What followed was a masterclass in understated decisiveness. Despite limited minutes – under 17, to be exact – Gudurić needed only three critical three-pointers to swing the momentum, guiding Milano back from a precarious position. Coach Ettore Messina, renowned for his tactical acumen, didn`t mince words, stating, “We all felt he could help us immediately. He didn`t play much, but we tried to use him in key moments of the game and, like champions, he was decisive: he made the right decisions, important baskets, and, most importantly, brought calmness and confidence to the team.” Such praise, from a coach of Messina`s standing, speaks volumes about Gudurić`s immediate, calming influence.
A New Challenge and a Clear Vision
Having been a pivotal player and a European champion with Fenerbahçe, Gudurić`s move to Milan represents a significant step outside his “comfort zone.” It`s a testament to the persuasive power of Coach Messina and General Manager Christos Stavropoulos, whose shared vision for the club resonated deeply with the Serbian guard. “I spoke a lot with the coach, and that was a big reason why I decided to come,” Gudurić explained. “I also spoke a lot with GM Stavropoulos, and I liked the project, the idea behind the club.”
This isn`t merely a change of scenery; it`s a deliberate pursuit of a fresh challenge. The lingering disappointment from his summer with the Serbian national team only adds fuel to his personal ambition. However, his focus is steadfastly on Milano. “I just want to do well here, and I want to win,” he asserts, highlighting the team`s strong foundation: “We have all the right pieces. I like the team, what I see, and what we are building.”
The Philosophy of Leadership: Action Over Adjectives
When questioned about his role as a leader, especially given his championship pedigree, Gudurić offered a response that was both profound and, perhaps, subtly ironic for a player of his caliber: “The leader… I don`t like this word.” He elaborated on his unique definition:
“Leadership for me is leading by example. Talking can be important, but the key is what you do. Ensuring everyone is aligned, in the locker room and then on the court: understanding the goals and putting the team above individuals. I think we are all leaders, we can all be leaders, and we will work in that direction: it`s a team game, and the team is the most important thing. There is no `I,` there is `we.` We must all be on the same page: believe in each other and in the coach. And have patience.”
This isn`t the bombastic declaration of a superstar, but the considered perspective of a seasoned professional who understands that true influence comes from consistent action and fostering collective unity. It`s a refreshing take in an era often obsessed with individual accolades.
Milano`s Ambition: A Path to the Playoffs
Olimpia Milano has endured a EuroLeague playoff drought since 2022, a statistic Gudurić is keenly aware of. His arrival signals a firm intent to reverse this trend. “This team deserves to be at least in the EuroLeague playoffs, and the club and organization, which are top-level, deserve it too,” he declared. He acknowledges the formidable competition in EuroLeague, where “clubs invest heavily, and high-level teams have increased.”
The path to success is multifaceted. Locally, the ambition is clear: “Winning in Italy would mean it was a successful season, given that neither the league nor the Coppa Italia arrived last year.” On the continental stage, “EuroLeague playoffs would be a big step forward.” He stresses the importance of team health and dedication throughout the long season. With a roster featuring familiar faces like Devin Booker, Lorenzo Brown, and Vlatko Čančar, alongside hungry young talents like Darius Ellis, Leandro Bolmaro, and Nico Mannion, Gudurić believes the pieces are indeed in place. The challenge, as always, lies in assembling them into a cohesive, winning unit, a task he approaches with quiet confidence and a champion`s work ethic.
