5 Jacopo Giachetti G 1.90 6 Angelo Gigli F 2.09 7 Ibrahim Jaaber G 1.88 8 Alessandro Tonolli F 2.02 9 Andre Hutson F 2.02 10 Herve Toure F 2.04 11 Andrea Crosariol C 2.10 13 Luigi Datome F 2.02 14 Rodrigo De La Fuente F 2.00 15 Kennedy Winston F 1.98 18 Ricky Minard G 1.94 - Luca Vitali G 2.01 Head Coach: Nando Gentile

Virtus Roma heads into the 2009-10 Euroleague season looking to continue on its steady path toward becoming a contender for European glory. The new season will be Roma's fourth straight in Europe's signature club competition and it has reached the Top 16 in each of the previous three. Now the goal is to go at least a step further. To do so, head coach Nando Gentile is back for what will be his first full season at the helm and goes to work with a core of seven returning players: guards Ibby Jaaber, Luigi Datome and Jacopo Giachetti, small forward Rodrigo De La Fuente, and big men Andre Hutson, Angelo Gigli and Alessandro Tonolli. Most were solid contributors to Roma's run to the Top 16 last year and form a strong base from which to build. To do that, the club has contracted scoring guards Luca Vitali and Ricky Minard, versatile forwards Kennedy Winston and Herve Toure, as well as all-purpose center Andrea Crosariol. Together, they give Gentile a roster that runs deep and boasts an assortment of skills needed for Roma to try to go even deeper into the Euroleague than in recent years.



Roma's backcourt is built around a rich mix of multi-talented players who don't always fit the classic stereotypes of their particular positions, but as a unit more than cover all needs on the perimeter. Jaaber has the physical characteristics of a point guard, with the speed and defensive mindset to lockdown any playmaker he meets, but is more of a slashing scorer at the other end. Vitali was a late addition to the lineup, transferring from Armani Jeans Milano, but fits in perfectly to the Roma style. A very skilled player, he boasts the body of a small forward, the shot of a shooting guard and the court vision of a point guard, making him a perfect partner for Jaaber. Giachetti is a gritty pace-changer who can play both guard spots, brings tough on-the-ball defense and takes advantage of what opposing defenses allow. The point guards will have a great running mate in Minard, who does several things well at the off-guard position. A hustler at both ends, Minard can score, rebound and distribute the ball when needed, as well as guard three different positions. Datome, still just 21 years old, possesses great instincts and size for a swingman. He proved in limited minutes last season that he can score and rebound from the perimeter, and is poised to increase his production with every new opportunity.

Former Euroleague champion De La Fuente returns at small forward with unique savvy playing in the middle ranges on both ends of the court, plus the experience to make his teammates better. Winston is a high-flying small forward who also has a good outside jumper. With two previous Euroleague campaigns under his belt, he will be ready to contribute from day one. Hutson is a prototypical power forward with strong inside moves, a solid mid-range jumper and great rebound positioning. As Roma's top rebounder and second-best scorer last season, Hutson will anchor the inside game. Toure, a unique tall forward, is back in the Euroleague after a season away. His wiry frame, athleticism and three-point shooting range make him an inside-outside threat. Gigli, the team's second best rebounder and top shot-blocker last season, is a mobile big man with great timing. Crosariol, also adept at swatting shots, knows how to use his big body to clog the paint. Tonolli, the captain, enters his 16th season at Roma no longer a prime rotation player, but still a great option for special defensive assignments. A deep, balanced and versatile lineup led by a fiery coach amounts to the recipe for Roma to make the upcoming Euroleague season one to remember.

LUIGI DATOME, SMALL FORWARD Considered one of the very best junior players of his generation, the feeling at Virtus Roma is that Luigi Datome is now ready to deliver on that promise. Datome, 21, has been in the spotlight since he was in his early teens. He led the Under-16 European Championships in scoring in 2003, made his Euroleague debut as a 17-year-old with Montepaschi Siena the next year, and guided Italy to the medal stand at the U-18 European championships in 2005. By 2007 he was a member of the senior Italian squad. His rapid progress taught Datome a lot about responsibility, and last season he showed signs of being ready for the big time. Blessed with great height and a long wingspan for a small forward, Datome has little trouble getting his smooth three-point shot off against most players. When it falls, not only is Datome more dangerous, but his whole team is. He can shoot off the dribble or post up smaller defenders. He runs the floor well, has a great understanding of offense, and has developed better defensive skills in recent seasons. Last year, he was one of the Euroleague's best per-minute rebounders at small forward. The whole package, including his great potential to keep adding to his game, makes Datome a key cog for Roma in the upcoming season. On a squad full of versatile players, Datome will punish defenses when left alone. If teams are forced to watch him closely on the perimeter, where he is also a decent passing threat, Roma's slashers, drivers and post men will have much more room to work with on the attack. By doing what he does best, Datome can do wonders for Roma's hopes of moving up the Euroleague ladder of success.