MILAN, ITALY – The air in Milan is buzzing with a familiar basketball optimism, now amplified by the arrival of a proven champion. Marko Guduric, a name synonymous with European basketball excellence, has joined Olimpia Milano, bringing with him not just a formidable skill set but also a palpable hunger for success. Fresh off a European championship with Fenerbahce, the Serbian guard is now tasked with spearheading Milano`s ambitious quest to reclaim its standing among the EuroLeague elite.
A Timely Debut and Instant Impact
Guduric`s journey with Olimpia began with a peculiar twist: a return to his Serbian roots. Despite battling tendinitis that kept him sidelined during the preseason, his debut in the EuroLeague against Crvena Zvezda, his former team, was nothing short of cinematic. Stepping onto the court with measured poise, he quickly shed any rust, draining three crucial three-pointers that swung the momentum firmly in Milano`s favor. It was a performance that spoke volumes, a masterclass in timely intervention.
“We all felt he could help us immediately,” praised Coach Ettore Messina, a legendary figure in European basketball. “He didn`t play much, but we tried to use him in key moments, and, like champions do, he was decisive. He made the right decisions, scored important baskets, and, most importantly, brought calmness and confidence to the team.”
Marko Guduric (right) making a crucial play for Olimpia Milano.
The Playoff Imperative: Ending the Drought
For Olimpia Milano, the EuroLeague playoffs have remained an elusive goal since 2022. Guduric, however, views this historical gap not as a burden but as a clear objective. “We have all the right pieces,” he confidently stated. “The goal is to go to the playoffs and see what happens.” It`s a pragmatic yet ambitious outlook, reflecting the competitive landscape of modern EuroLeague basketball, where financial investment and talent are at an all-time high. Anything less, one might infer, would simply be… less than desired.
Beyond Europe, the Serbian star also eyes domestic dominance. “Winning in Italy would mean a successful season, given that neither the championship nor the Italian Cup arrived last year,” he noted, underlining the dual front on which Milano plans to contend.
The Messina Magnet and a Fresh Challenge
What drew a player of Guduric`s caliber to Milan? The answer lies significantly with Coach Messina. “I spoke a lot with the coach, and that`s a big reason why I decided to come,” Guduric revealed. The project, meticulously laid out by Messina and General Manager Christos Stavropoulos, resonated deeply with his professional aspirations. Leaving Fenerbahce after many successful years represented a conscious step out of his comfort zone – a move fueled by a desire for a new challenge in a new league.
This personal motivation, coupled with the lingering disappointment from his recent national team performance with Serbia, only amplifies his drive. “I just want to do well here, and I want to win,” he affirmed.
Leadership by Example: “We, Not I”
When discussing leadership, Guduric offers a refreshing perspective. He shies away from the label, preferring a more action-oriented definition. “The leader… I don`t like that word,” he admits. “Leadership for me is leading by example. Talking can be important, but the key is what you do.”
His philosophy centers on collective alignment and sacrifice. “Ensuring everyone is aligned, in the locker room and then on the court: understanding the objectives 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: believing in each other and in the coach. And having patience.”
The new squad is a blend of familiar faces like Devin Booker, Lorenzo Brown, and Vlatko Cancar, alongside “hungry” young talents such as Ellis, Bolmaro, and Mannion. Guduric sees this mix as a potent combination, provided they maintain health and a collective dedication throughout the long season.
The Road Ahead: Patience and Perseverance
The EuroLeague is a marathon, not a sprint, and Guduric is acutely aware of the challenges. “It’s a long season, and we need everyone, and everyone needs to be ready to play, whether it`s 5 or 10 minutes, but all with dedication to the team,” he emphasized. The increased number of teams and substantial investments across the league make every game a battle.
Marko Guduric`s arrival is more than just a high-profile signing for Olimpia Milano; it`s a declaration of intent. With his championship pedigree, his quiet yet profound leadership, and a clear vision for success, he is poised to be the catalyst that transforms aspiration into achievement, guiding Milan back to the EuroLeague playoffs and beyond.
Benedict Kingsley 
Adrian Whitmore