Ettore Messina's blog
I guess this should be interesting to just everybody. Euroleague champion CSKA Moscow's head coach is running a blog at a major Russian website sports.ru. Here:
http://sports.ru/blog.html?blogid=377958
The posts are a bit edited, I guess, but they sure are not ghost-written. Messina posts in English and then they also put up a professional translation of each post.
I guess nobody announced this blog here yet, and now when it's done, the coach will get more comments in English =) One of the website editors claims that even though Messina never replies to comments, he reads them carefully.
Thanks for the link, it sounds like interesting read.
Last edited by woma; 02-05-2007 at 11:36 AM.
great read actually, thanks Fripp
I know this blog for a while... damn, I forgot to post it..
Indeed it's a good one.
Very Good!
http://www.sacbee.com/sports/story/1585346.htmlItalian coach could make league history
By Scott Howard-Cooper
Published: Friday, Jan. 30, 2009 - 12:00 am
There is a man, an Italian working in Moscow, who could be the first. He gets mentioned most often.
That's if there is a first. No one can say there will be, and they certainly cannot say when. Maybe this summer, when NBA teams go coach-shopping to fill the six jobs currently open with the likelihood of more vacancies pending end-of-season flameouts. Maybe not.
If so, it would be groundbreaking, even for a league that prides itself on a global reach: the first head coach completely raised and schooled in basketball outside the United States.
It has never happened. Foreign products are everywhere on the court, the No. 2 man in basketball operations for the Toronto Raptors is from Italy, and a Phoenix Suns assistant has built a lengthy bench career after coming from Serbia. But no team has made the bold move of hiring a 100 percent import as full-time head coach.
"I don't think we're too far away," said Canadian Jay Triano, the interim coach of the Raptors. "I think people see the way the game has grown internationally. They look at the success that some teams have had overseas, and I don't think it's too long before a GM will pull the trigger and bring one of them over here and see how successful they can be."
Mike D'Antoni spent eight years on the sideline in Italy, but he's West Virginian down to an aw-shucks drawl and played in the NBA and the American Basketball Association before going to Europe. He merely gained coaching prominence there before coming back to lead the Nuggets, Suns and now the Knicks.
Triano is historic, the first head coach born and trained outside the United States, interim or not. But he had no language barriers to overcome, was in his seventh season on an NBA bench and worked the past two summers with USA Basketball's Select Team, younger players hoping to someday work into the U.S. national squad. Triano is a foreigner the way pizza is international cuisine.
Top prospect is Italian
Ettore Messina – he is overseas. He's the one, regarded by most as the top candidate to cross the Atlantic, if anyone does. Coach of the Italian national team, 1993 to '97. Coach of CSKA Moscow, one of the world's most prominent clubs, 2006 to present. Coach of Euroleague champions in both countries.
"What, do you think the guys here are so special to make it to the NBA?" said one of his former players in Italy, Manu Ginobili of the Spurs, sounding incredulous, if not offended, at being asked whether Messina could succeed here.
Messina, 49, slight with close-cropped dark hair and a receding hairline, moves easily in U.S. gyms without being recognized by fans. But in Europe, he is as well known a coach as there is in the sport. And in the NBA, he is identifiable to executives who are very familiar with his work and respect his knowledge.
He said he had a couple of conversations with a team about moving to the NBA in summer 2007 but would not disclose the club. The Kings, looking to replace Eric Musselman at the time, said it was not them. Messina said the identity does not matter because he felt the talks were just that. Conversations, not job interviews.
"Maybe just checking," Messina said.
Even that small step would be newsworthy were it to happen again this offseason and become public, with most observers waiting to see if the Raptors and progressive president Bryan Colangelo will be the team to make the bold hire. Toronto, after all, has Maurizio Gherardini as senior vice president of basketball operations, made fellow Italian Andrea Bargnani the No. 1 draft pick in 2006 and has a history of reaching across borders for players.
Credibility could be issue
But someone – anyone – actually going through with it and hiring a coach untested in the ways of basketball in the United States, of the style of play and the temperament of the players? Historic. Historically risky, too.
"The system is different, the rules are different, the officiating is different, the relationship with the players is different," Messina said. "A lot of things are different. So you need time to adjust. On the other end, which organization would, let's say, bet on the ability of the coach to adjust to all this? I don't know. You need a special organization. You need a special situation for this to happen, and I don't know if this will happen soon.
"Honestly, the language, I don't think that would be a problem. Credibility, for sure. It's the same thing, from a certain point of view, when you talk about college coaches going to the NBA. You see how many excellent college coaches have a hard time in moving from college to the NBA. For us, it's the same thing. Our system, it's something in between the NBA and college, as for the role of the coach. We are in between the two situations, but more, I would say, closer to the college level than to the NBA."
In other words: The prominent European coaches who would be considered for such a move are used to having a strong, controlling hand. And if NBA players don't need much prompting to tune out a guy they've heard of, imagine the yawns when they're ordered around by a coach whose credentials are more foreign than the accent.
"The game the way it's played over there (in Europe) and the style and the daily routine of sometimes two practices a day and the discipline that they have – I don't know how well that flies in the NBA," said Triano, who spent six years as coach of the Canadian national team.
A need for open minds
Would players listen to a coach so unfamiliar? "Just like the coaches that have been here," Triano said. "Some will and some won't. Some players would really be open and receptive to change, and some wouldn't, and I think that's the same for any coach, whether he's from North America or whether he's from Europe."
Said Ginobili, who played for three teams in Italy and his native Argentina before joining the Spurs: "That's going to be hard. Players in the NBA are kind of tough sometimes.
"(Players) have got to learn and get used to being around them. It's hard, I think. You never know, but for a group of players that probably have been playing together to respond and react to a guy that they've never seen before, it's going to take a while. And they're not going to have their main language. That's a difference, too. So there are some things to consider. But something to remark is, knowledgewise and characterwise, there is no doubt (a foreign coach can make the transition)."
Now to find the executive and owner gutsy enough to try it. Gutsy enough because it certainly will expose a team to immense criticism if the hiring goes bad because of communication issues, lack of credibility, the adjustment to NBA rules and pace, or the adjustment to NBA players. On the other hand, hiring coaches from the United States has gone bad for decades in some places, so the risk is relative the first time it happens.
If there is a first time.
http://www.sacbee.com/100/story/1585346-p2.html
Last edited by jugoplastika; 04-04-2009 at 10:16 PM.
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Chances are high that the Raptors will keep Triano, according to GM Colangelo via Toronto Star [not the most reliable source, I guess]. Good news.
Source
About 10 days ago I clicked on Quote button so I lost almost the whole text which I posted about coaches and players praising Ettore Messina. Here it is, again:
http://www.corrieretandem.com/viewst...id=8998&page=1-A winning endorsement from Rasho Nesterovic-
Former Raptors player says Ettore Messina is best leader for Dinos
By Mario Cagnetta
Originally Published: 2009-03-22
“Ettore Messina with the Raptors could change everything and they’d become a winning team.” This is according to former Toronto Raptors player Rasho Nesterovic, and it’s the best reference letter a coach can get.
The Slovenian centre – now with the Indiana Pacers – was once under the tutelage of the current CSKA Moscow coach, and is now prepared to bet on Messina’s success with the professionals as well.
“There are only two European coaches able to coach in the NBA,” said Nesterovic. “One is Ettore Messina, and the other is Zemilir Obradovic. The others are all good, but they don’t have the charisma, the character, the determination, and the knowledge of basketball that they do.”
Nesterovic does not seem overly concerned about misgivings over Messina’s possible arrival. Firstly, he is familiar with his former teammates and former coach. Secondly, because working together with president Bryan Colangelo and vice president Maurizio Gherardini, the future would be better planned out and adjustments made to the roster based on team requirements.
“The project could be risky but at the same time could be the right solution for a team like the Raptors,” he continued. “It’s clear that Messina needs to be given the best conditions, maybe making a trade to shore up the team where it’s needed most.”
The Pacers pivot strongly emphasizes that the former Benetton Treviso coach’s most valuable asset is the mentality he brings to the game. Much has been said about the problems a European coach landing in the NBA would face, without ever mentioning what Messina would bring to the world of American professional basketball.
“The European mentality along with a team of strong players from the European leagues could be a winning mix,” he added. “Europe isn’t like America where you play so much that you lose count. There, each game is meaningful, and under the guide of Messina, the Raptors could finally have the right mentality and play each game like it was an NBA final.”
Nesterovic’s experience with Virtus is well remembered by the Slovenian champion. The years spent under the guidance of the CSKA coach and alongside a champion like Sasha Danilovic have transformed him, allowing him to take the next step and come to America to play among professionals. This is why when speaking about Messina, he refers to him as his basketball mentor – the man who more than any other has contributed most to his maturity as a person and above all as a player.
“Messina and Sasha Danilovic gave me a lot,” Nesterovic said. “That’s why I say that in Europe and throughout the world, there are really very few people who know basketball like Messina does.”
Finally, Nesterovic expresses a wish that, based on the mutual respect the two have for each other, that he could make a sensational return to his former team, although that is likely just a dream.
“If Messina really did come to Toronto I’d like to come back and be coached by him again,” said Nesterovic. “In reality, I’d like to be coached by him wherever he goes to coach. With Messina, you always play to win, and when the players are able to achieve that mindset, it’s easier to obtain great success.”
http://www.corrieretandem.com/viewst...id=8998&page=2
http://www.corrieretandem.com/viewst...id=8981&page=1-Danilovic is sure about Messina’s potential-
Soccer star is hopeful that the Italian coach can lead Raptors to greatness
By Mario Cagnetta
Originally Published: 2009-03-15
He was considered a legend in Bologna as he followed the simple rule of survival of the fittest. To call to mind what Sasha Danilovic achieved, we need to go back in time to more than 16 years ago when, at 22 years of age, he was acquired by Virtus – at the time coached by Ettore Messina. And it’s not by chance that the current Spartak Moscow coach brought up his name during a recent interview, along with that of Sugar Ray Richardson, pegging him as “one of the best foreigners I have ever coached.”
Corriere Canadese/Tandem caught up with Danilovic in Serbia via telephone, to ask him what he thinks of his former coach, and above all if he feels Messina is ready for an NBA experience (perhaps at the helm of the Toronto Raptors).
Tell us a bit about Messina. What type of coach is he?
“He’s good. Actually no, he’s very good. When he coached me he was much more authoritative. While now he seems to be much more flexible. He listens to his players and that is his advantage. As well, naturally, he has an understanding of basketball that few in the world can brag about.”
What influence did he have on your professional career?
“He influenced me greatly. Thanks to him, I became a great player and managed to win a lot. Having him as coach was fundamental because no great player becomes great if he doesn’t have a strong and talented coach behind him, who is capable of evaluating him along with the rest of the team. Teams don’t win without a leader who is able to bring out the best qualities of the group and of the individuals. He was able to do both things.”
Do you think he is ready to coach an NBA team?
“I’m convinced of that. Why wouldn’t he be ready? He is adaptable and knows how to adjust to various situations. He would be a great coach in the NBA as well.”
As a player who toiled in the NBA, what advice would you give him?
“To be himself and to do exactly what he’s been doing these past years. His teams have won a lot and he knows how to win games. And he’s so intelligent that he’d also win among the NBA pros if he got the chance to display his full skill-set.”
When Messina was your coach, what did he relay to you both on and off the court?
“He gave us a lot of security. We knew that because he was such a competent coach that we’d go out onto the court with no worries. It’s a huge advantage to be able to count on such a guide who rarely makes mistakes, even in more tough moments. The players feel more sure of themselves, and it’s easier to win.”
Is there a player you’d recommend he take with him if he ended up in the NBA?
“I wouldn’t know. There are many good players. If it were up to me however, I’d focus on a young talented player he could develop a bit at a time. Many would bring an experienced player. I’d do the exact opposite.”
Many maintain that the real problem is related to the diffidence of American stars in following orders from a European coach. Do you think this could be a problem?
“No, I think it’s an issue that can be overcome in no time. It’s a phony issue. Anyways, if a player doesn’t listen to his coach, he’s the one making the mistake. You must always follow your coach. Otherwise, it’s better to change teams.”
After the arrival of European players, is it time yet for the arrival of a European coach to the NBA?
“Yes absolutely. Also because the NBA is in decline, compared to a few years ago. When I was playing, there were still very few non-American players. Now, everything has changed and there’s much less disparity between the various leagues than there once was.”
Satisfy a curiosity of mine: Why after playing in the NBA, did you renounce becoming a star and return to Italy?
“Because Bologna was offering me more money. That’s all it was. In the end, I had to make a choice and I preferred doing what was best for my own life. In the NBA, I had demonstrated that I could play and that I was good. Then I made other choices, which I haven’t regretted.”
http://www.news-herald.com/articles/...f870559922.txtAll in the details for Cavs coach
By Bob Finnan
Published: Tuesday, October 28, 2008
(...)
“We talk a lot about ‘D,’ but we want our offense to be fluent,” he said. “We talk about defense, but (Brown) has a lot of influence on the offense.”
For the second consecutive year, Brown spent almost two weeks in the Italian Alps over the summer with CSKA Moscow coach Ettore Messina.
“I picked up a lot of things on both sides of the ball,” Brown said.
He was like a sponge there, picking up tips on practice drills, fast-break routines, techniques on spacing and the drive-and-kick offense.
Messina could be the first European-born coach to come to the NBA.
“He has some feelers,” Brown said. “He’s won countless league titles in Italy and Russia, in addition to four or five European championships.”
Brown said he thinks being around Messina helped him improve as a head coach.
“I think I have,” he said. “I have a better feel offensively. I’m improved some on defense. I’m managing practice better. A lot of it has to do with confidence. Each year you feel you can do a little better, especially when can go watch other training camps, talk to other coaches in the summer. You feel more confident with what you’re doing.”
Williams said Brown and Cavs general manager Danny Ferry have created a family atmosphere with the team.
“That’s the best part,” he said. “Guys pull for each other. Off the court, we’re a big family. We say it and preach it, but it’s true. We have all different nationalities and backgrounds, but we’ve found a sense of balance. We all eat. So we can do that together.
“It’s a great balance between the group.”
http://www.cskabasket.com/news/?a=in...d=5827&lang=enMike Brown: It is better for Kaun to play under Messina
Published: September 18, 2008
Cleveland head coach Mike Brown participated in CSKA training camp, get excited by Kaun and Shved, and told to PROsports magazine about the advantages of European basketball, LeBron James progress and Cavaliers championship ambitions.
Part of an interview for PROsports magazine. Qs: Nikolai Tsynkevich
- It is the second straight year when you spent part of the preseason with CSKA. What does this experience mean for you?
- It’s an honor. CSKA program is very similar to the ones of NBA franchises. CSKA also has a great coaching stuff – knowledgeable, plus they are very good people.
- Who is Ettore Messina for you – a colleague, a pupil, a teacher, a friend?
- All of the above. He is a friend first. Definitely a teacher. He is a man I really respect on the floor and off the floor. I’d learned a lot from him watching his practices and talking to him about the game of basketball. Terrific coach.
- There are a lot of talks now about the big differences in NBA basketball and European basketball. What can NBA coach learn from Europeans?
- NBA basketball is really different from European basketball. We have such talented players as Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Allen Iverson, Carmelo Anthony. You can give those guys the ball and ask them to create an offence for you. In Europe you don’t necessary have those type of talent plus you can play a true zone so it’s horror to have one person be able to create an offence for you. In Europe they pass better, they move the ball better, they set the screens better, the spacing is better. They have to relay upon being technically correct offensively in order to score. So for me to be able to come and try to pick up some of the spacing techniques, some of the ball movement techniques, some of the screening techniques, some of the motion techniques on offence I feel will help me to become better.
- The desire to learn from Europeans usually leads to invitation of Europeans to the team. But Cavaliers have only two and a half, including Anderson Varejao who also played in Europe…
- We have another player who plays for CSKA Moscow. We have the rights for Sasha Kaun who was drafted in second round. I am very excited about Sasha Kaun as a player; I think he has a very good chance to play in NBA with us some day soon.
- Now you probably a bit sorry you did not drafted him in the first round?
- No, it’s better for him to play here a couple of years under a coach like Messina. In CSKA program he has better chances to get some playing time and to really learn how to play basketball the right way.
- Did you follow other CSKA players during the camp? Especially young ones.
- Oh yes! CSKA has a very talented team. I tell you the young kid named Alexey, 19 years old, I don’t know his last name [Shved]… He is very, very talented. I think he has a really good chance to play in the NBA. Obviously there are also a lot of players that you like but because they are playing here for so long and had success here it would be hard to get them to come to the NBA. The guys like Smodis… They are making so much money. It is almost impossible for him to leave Europe because he won’t be able to get that type of money initially.
- CSKA will play two games against NBA teams – Toronto and Orlando – in October. Do you like the chances?
- CSKA is very talented team which is well-coached. I am going to definitely try to watch those games because obviously I feel close to the entire coaching stuff and players too. I think they have a chance to beat anybody.
- Coach Messina usually asks the players to try to win step by step. What is your way? Do you say initially to try to win everything? Or you ask your players to win 20, 30, 40 games first?
- Everyone who plays for the Cavaliers knows he tries to win a championship. But we don’t say it during the year; we don’t want the guys to look too far ahead. We ask them to concentrate on a present. I think CSKA coaches do the same.
http://www.standard.net/live/sports/jazz/164771/Cavs coach Brown is all about defense
By PATRICK MCMANAMON
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
(...)
"But Egan stressed that Brown also has adjusted his offensive approach. The past two summers, he has visited CSKA Moscow coach Ettore Messina in Italy to talk and learn offensive strategy.
Messina is considered an offensive guru; he has won four European titles and could be the first European-born coach in the NBA.
Ask Scott what he expects from a Brown-coached team on offense, and he'll talk about high pick-and-rolls, about spacing the floor (a Messina tenet) and moving the ball from one side of the floor to the other to move the defense."
http://www.ohiomm.com/blogs/cavs/200...ason-progress/Cleveland Cavs - Charting preseason progress
Posted October 12th, 2007 by Brian Windhorst
(...)
"–I am withholding most commentary about the new offense — Mike Brown doesn’t call it a new offense but, really, it is — because it is too early to make conclusions. Mike got a lot of it from Ettore Messina, the CSKA Moscow coach that I wrote about for ESPN this week. I will go into more detail later, but for now, know that he is trying to get the players to drive the ball and move more. In short, he is trying to avoid “the stand around and watch LeBron” offense. That includes the Larry Hughes “wait for an open jumper” on the wing option, too. Understand, this relies on LeBron’s willingness to drive and kick himself, and part of the reason the ball always stopped before is because LeBron stopped it. So we’ll see and I’ll write more about it."
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