Bryant Dunston ready to load Olimpia Milano on his shoulders

Bryant Dunston spoke in an interview with Repubblica about his pride in donning the EA7 Emporio Armani jersey: “I am truly fortunate to be here to play in the Euroleague again on a team that can go places, to relive emotions that are customary. And to be able to help change the narrative from the team’s last two seasons. When Messina spoke to me, I had no doubts. Now I am happy, I have found a team of good guys on and off the field, hungry, and trying to pursue together the goals we have set. We want to be a tough group, focused on defense, solid on offense but also dynamic. Everyone can bring their individual characteristics within a system that offers so many different options.”

“You have to understand what players you are facing: Josh Nebo is amazing, now unfortunately stationary, but on the court a monster. Devin Booker is coming off the best season of his career, and Zach LeDay is also coming off a top year in the Euroleague. I was aware that at Olimpia I would be sitting in the back seat. At my age, it is more important to be a vocal leader than for the numbers you produce. But that doesn&#8217t mean I still don&#8217t do mine on the court. If I happen to play a lot of minutes, great, if it’s 2 or 3 that’s fine too. And if I don’t even get in, I will give everything I have to support my teammates and the team.”

“The most important thing is to keep your focus, even the league presents many games, and go through whatever happens, without getting excited or depressed, always trying to find a reason to improve. And when you see someone going down, you have to help them recover. All teams have so many players, at Olimpia they allow you to always be in shape even if you don&#8217t play much. The difficulty is mainly mental, being ready, being a professional means understanding that basketball is not something personal, but if to help the team you have to play only three minutes, it has to be the best three minutes you have.”

“I can only hope to always play, and be ready to give what is asked of me. At my age I take it day by day, I try to improve and feel the emotions, the need to play basketball. When I no longer feel these things, I will stop. But being surrounded by so many young people fills me with energy, makes me feel alive”.