Mike Tobey: Olimpia Milano Slows Down, Scaligera Verona Breathes a Sigh of Relief

The *Corriere di Verona* also discusses the basketball transfer market, with particular reference to Mike Tobey, a center for Tezenis Verona who holds a Slovenian passport and has a buyout clause in his contract in the event of an offer from a EuroLeague club, such as Olimpia Milano.

Compared to a week ago, however, the situation appears to have changed drastically, especially in light of the shift in strategy by the Milan-based club. “Reports from Milan,” the newspaper states, “suggest that Olimpia, following the coaching change from Peppe Poeta to Luca Banchi, is now looking at a different prospect than Tobey, the Scaligera’s star player. And this news is sure to bring some relief to Verona, which has been going through a difficult few days.”

The Milanese team’s interest in the Gialloblù big man had emerged in recent days, when Telenuovo reported that Olimpia was considering a move to strengthen its frontcourt, especially following Devin Booker’s serious injury, which will sideline him for at least three months. Tobey’s Slovenian passport would have resolved the issue of non-EU player slots, and the player is already registered for the Italian league. The buyout associated with the clause—agreed upon this summer with sports director Bolognesi—would have been quite substantial, while Milan could have offered the center a salary at least three times what he was earning in Verona.

Tobey’s resume includes four seasons in the EuroLeague, two Spanish league titles, and one EuroCup championship, in addition to stints with Barcelona, Red Star Belgrade, and Gran Canaria. In the background, Milan was also considering Daniel Theis, whom Maccabi Tel Aviv does not seem willing to let go: his coach, Oded Kattash, has reiterated the player’s importance to the team.