Golden age for Reyer Venezia: One season, two European Finals
VENICE (FIBA Europe Cup/EuroCup Women) - There have been just three clubs in the current millennium that have reached European title duels in both men's and women's competitions in the same season.
VENICE (FIBA Europe Cup/EuroCup Women) - There have been just three clubs in the current millennium that have reached European title duels in both men's and women's competitions in the same season.
And the quick-risers from Italy, Reyer Venezia, are now members of this exclusive circle, alongside traditional continental powerhouses Fenerbahce Istanbul and CSKA Moscow.
Following the footsteps of the Andrea Liberalotto-coached women's side, who marked their maiden Final appearance on the international stage in the EuroCup Women earlier this month, the men are set to begin their battle for their FIBA Europe Cup crown.
"We must enjoy these things because we are living in such a beautiful era."Walter De Raffaele
By defeating Dutch champions Donar Groningen in the Semi-Finals last week, coach Walter De Raffaele and his players continued a remarkable stretch of play spanning two seasons.
"This achievement means a lot for the club," said the head coach of the men's section of the club. "In a space of a year, we have played in the Final Four of the Basketball Champions League, won the Scudetto and reached the Final in the FIBA Europe Cup."
"I am very happy for my players, who sacrificed themselves and for many of them it will be the first Final of their careers."
De Raffaele was just as happy for the club's women who share not only the Reyer Venezia name, the Palasport Giuseppe Taliercio arena and the fans, but also a history that runs all the way back to 1872.
"We qualified for the Final after our women's team already played against Galatasaray in the Final of the EuroCup Women," said the 49-year-old Italian playcaller after clinching a ticket to the title clash himself.
"We must enjoy these moments because we are living in such a beautiful era. We have to enjoy it with an open heart, an open mind and with great satisfaction. These are the moments that I personally, my team and all the people who work with us enjoy and want to share it with everyone to whom it also gives joy."
Although, the women of Reyer Venezia came up short 155-140 on aggregate against Galatasaray in the EuroCup Women Final, the club have another horse in the race in the FIBA Europe Cup.
In an all-Italian title contest against Sidigas Scandone Avellino, Walter De Raffaele and his players will have a chance to add another great moment to what seems to be a new golden age for Reyer Venezia.
FIBA