ITA – Tanjevic, Meneghin salute Myers at retirement ceremony

SAN PATRIGNANO (FIP) - Veteran coach Bogdan Tanjevic offered a very interesting observation of Carlton Myers on Wednesday at the basketball player's retirement ceremony.

Myers, who just turned 40, was one of the leading players on Italy's gold-medal winning team at the EuroBasket in France 12 years ago and was best known for his offensive skills.

Tanjevic, the coach of the gold-medal winning team in 1999, said: "He knew how to be the best player on offense in my team, but also the best defender."

That sort of praise is something that Myers will remember for the rest of his life.

Tanjevic wasn't the only famous basketball personality to pay tribute to Myers on Wednesday.

Italian Basketball Federation president Dino Meneghin was also on hand.

He remembered the enthusiasm Myers had for the sport.

"I can remember his shout of happiness after the success in Paris (EuroBasket Final), proof of his love and passion for basketball," Meneghin said.

"Italian basketball will miss a player like him.

"I hope the young players can see his games and study his way of playing and his secrets because on the court, he has been an example to everyone. "

Myers was such an inspirational figure in Italian sport that he was chosen to carry the flag into the Sydney Olympic stadium during the Opening Ceremony of the 2000 Summer Games.

More than 300 people were in the auditorium at San Patrignano for Myers' retirement celebration.

Myers is now embarking on a future as a talent scout.

FIBA