It has already been reported that at the end of July “Virtus” and Gražulis agreed on a two-year cooperation.
At the end of March, Gražulis injured his left knee in the last match of the Italian championship in Trento “Aquila”, after which he underwent an operation. An injury in the summer prevented Gražulis from helping the Latvian national team in the qualification tournament of the Paris Olympic Games in Riga.
“Perhaps, next week I will finally join the team’s training, start training fully and start enjoying the “Virtus” basketball system, because I am tired of training alone,” Gražulis revealed. “I can’t wait for the season to start, including the Italian Super Cup next week.
In the previous season, Gražulis averaged 14.1 points and 4.7 rebounds per match in 24 games for Trento “Aquila”, but in 18 matches in the ULEB Eurocup, he averaged 12.3 points and 5.2 rebounds.
“Last season was quite good for me, but it ended on a sad note,” said Gražulis, refusing to look into the future and promising to work hard every day.
Like the Latvian men’s national team, “Virtus” is led by Italian coach Luka Banki.
“Banki’s role in my joining “Virtus” was important, because we worked together in the national team for three years,” admits the player, adding that he knows the coach’s playing system, but Banki knows how the Latvian plays.
“Right now, Banki, first of all, wants me to be healthy and ready to go on the field,” emphasizes Gražulis.
He says that he has not yet discussed the player’s role in the team with the coach, because he has not even trained with the team yet. Currently, the main task of a basketball player is to get healthy.
“I’ll do whatever the coach asks. Every year I’ve played differently because coaches change, demands, opponents, teammates, everything changes,” says the player, recalling that he has a good shot and can therefore help the team free up more space underneath basket.
“I’m a pretty sharp player, I know the system of the game, I’ve played it for three years at a good level. I’m like a Swiss army knife,” Gražulis says.
“For the past five years, I have worked to reach the Euroleague level and I am happy to be here,” emphasizes the power forward.
He confirmed that he had seen the matches of “Virtus” last season and that he was a little worried.
“The main thing for me is to do my job on the court. Just play basketball. And I hope the fans will be happy,” says Gražulis.
Before joining the Trento team, Gražulis played for two seasons in another Italian team “Allianz” of Trieste, and even before that – in the second league unit “Bertram” of Tortona.
Gražulis started his career in Ventspils, defending the colors of this city’s club until 2017 and then moving to Perm “Parma” club in Russia and “VEF Rīga”.
The Bologna team, which became the vice-champion of Serie A last season, will also play in the ULEB Euroleague next season.
2024-09-13 19:30:37