Achille Polonara Keeps His Promise

He had said he wanted to remain in the world of basketball, and two and a half months after officially announcing his retirement from playing basketball, Achille Polonara has kept his promise: next season, he will in fact be one of Coach Gennaro Di Carlo’s assistants at Avellino Basket in Serie A2, as confirmed by the club on Monday. Polonara, 34, obtained his coaching license a few days ago with the designation of National Coach.

“First of all, I’d like to thank Avellino Basket for offering me this tremendous opportunity,” explained Polonara, who had actually trained in Avellino for a few weeks this past spring after his battle with illness, trying to return to the court before deciding to step away. “I can’t wait to get started; the team has taken shape—we’re just one player short of a full roster. Personally, I’m really excited and happy to begin this new experience and to work alongside Coach Di Carlo and the other members of the coaching staff.”

Avellino Basket President Giuseppe Lombardi is enthusiastic: “Our club’s collaboration with Achille Polonara is the result of a deep mutual respect that developed during the months when we had the honor of hosting him in Avellino. As he embarks on his first stint as an assistant coach, we’re thrilled that he’ll be wearing the white-and-green colors, and we’re confident this will mark the beginning of a rewarding new career that we’ll build and experience together. We can’t wait to get started.”

Antonello Nevola, general manager of the Irpinia-based club, also expressed his satisfaction: “Having had the pleasure of getting to know each other and exchanging ideas over the past few months, the ideal opportunity arose to begin this partnership. Achille had a strong desire to embark on a new journey in the world of basketball, and as soon as this opportunity arose, we were happy to seize it together. We wish him great success in white and green.”