Euroleague.net interview: Angelo Gigli, Benetton
by:
Frankie Sachs, Euroleague.net
October 18, 2006
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 Well-known for its ability to develop talent, Benetton Treviso has become the place to be for budding basketball stars. Every season the club finds a way to fill the roster by bringing along more stars-in-the-making. This year, one of the biggest names set to make an impact in the Euroleague is highly-touted big man Angelo Gigli, who steps into the Benetton frontcourt ready to make a splash. Although it's never easy for a newcomer to stand out at a Euroleague contender like Benetton, Gigli seems ready for the role. Among the reasons to believe in Gigli, 23, is that he is not only talented, but level-headed and a believer in teamwork. "I have to show all my skills and improve day by day," Gigli told Euroleague.net. "You cannot go too far if you play selfish."
How do you feel to be joining Europe's top competition at a time when European basketball is having a golden era?
"It's exciting for me, because this is a special time for European basketball, and I am so lucky to play with a club like Benetton Basket, which has great exposure. I figure this experience is a great chance for my career. Playing at the top level against the greatest European teams is the best scenario I could imagine at this point. Now it's up to me, I have to show all my skills and improve day by day."
With Italy at the world championships in Japan, you saw basketball at the highest levels. What did that experience tell you about what kind of impact you can have in your first Euroleague season?
"Having played at the World Championships maybe can help me for this great step forward in my career. There, I played for few weeks, but now a long and tough season is on the way, so things will be different. That's what I think . I hope to learn many things from this new and exciting experience in the Euroleague, and I will try to do my best to stand out and help my team."
What kind of game skills can fans across Europe expect from Angelo Gigli?
"Last season, I had different tasks on the court, playing from small forward to center, going through the power forward position. I can say that both on the boards and elsewhere, I've improved my defensive skills. Now I want to get some more from my offense."
What adjustments do you think you will need to make to be successful at the Euroleague level?
"This is one of the things that I care about the most, especially at the beginning. I have many teammates who can give me suggestions about what to do. I will try to work hard in practice to stay in good shape all the time, because the time to recover from game to game will be short. You can't focus on the games only, but also on the daily steps in the gym."
Benetton is a club that means something special in all of Europe for its history of developing great young talent. Was that one reason you went to Treviso?
"Treviso, with the team and the great organization, is the best place to grow up and get better."
Benetton is the Italian champion and always a Euroleague contender. What are your goals in your first season with Benetton?
"At first, trying to learn as much as I can on the court and to take some important steps forward in my play. At the same time, I want my improvements to represent an addiction to teamwork and the goals of the club. I recognize that you cannot go too far if you play selfish. The most important thing is working towards the goals of your team."
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