A COFFEE WITH… PIETRO ARADORI

"Nowadays It´s very hard to find a team with a long program and that can stay at the top of the level for a lot of years."

Pietro Aradori, one of the “capocannoniere” of the current European basketball that stopped his successful race in Italy to help the Estudiantes in 2015 to avoid the LEB Ligue. This summer, he has signed by Virtus Bologna.

If you want to read the interview translated into Spanish, please click the following link.

UN CAFE CON… PIETRO ARADORI

Q: When did you start playing basketball? And at what point did you decide that you could dedicate yourself professionally to it?

A: I started very young, when I was 4/5 years old but until I was 12/13 years I used to do a lot of sports, like soccer, tennis and sky. At 14 years old, I decided to move from home to Casalpusterlengo to dedicated myself completly to play basketball and finish the studies. So probably at that age I started to realice I could became a basketball player.

Q: Tell us about your debut as a professional player. In what game, how much time, sensations, …

A: My first professional game was when I was in Imola (2nd division) at 17 years old and I played against Pesaro, an historical italian 1st division team at that time with money problem. In that game I played against Carlton Myers, a very good italian player in the 90’s that I used to watch on tv. It was an amazing sensation.

Q: Did you go to the University while playing basketball?

A: I went to “Economy and business management” and I tried during my first year in Biella, but with the cup and the practices It was very difficult to follow all the lessons.

Q: During your stage as a player in Italy, and despite being one of the “cannonieri” of the competition, you were in 7 teams during 9 seasons. What was the reason for not being more time on a team?

A: Because in this moment sports is changing and it´s very hard to find a situation or a team with a long program and that can stay at the top of the level for a lot of years. Look how many players change team every year.

Q: You have lived in many cities and countries, where did you find yourself most comfortable?

A: Spain and Italy.

Q: How did your family move and change cities?

A: My parents used to come to visit me wherever I go.

Q: In 2010 you participated in the Adidas Eurocamp in Treviso, how was that experience?

A: It was a very good experience and I met and I played against the best players of my age all over the Europe.

Q: If I’m not wrong, that same year you go to the NBA Draft, but you were not selected. Was it a disappointment?

A: I didn’t go to NBA draft, because in May I already had a big contract with one of the best team in Europe at that time, Montepaschi Siena.

Q: After a good season in Turkey, you signed for Estudiantes in December 2015, with the aim of helping the team not to descend. How was your time in Madrid?

A: The time in Madrid was amazing, probably the best experience in my life. I stayed just 6 months and Estudiantes entered completely in my heart. I have met a lot of people that now are still my very good friends.

Q: Would you liked to stay another season? Why did not you do it?

A: I didn’t stay in Madrid because I had a call from Reggio Emilia, who did the italian finals the year before and played Eurocup.

Q: After your great season in Estudiantes, there was a lot of talk about Barcelona’s interest in signing you. What was true about that?

A: They were not really interested.

Q: You played in a turbulent season at Galatasaray, with delays in player payments and problems with finances. Did you directly sprinkle that situation?

A: In Galatasaray that year the situation was terrible. Big money problem. More than half of the team decided to leave the club during the season. Prandelli was the soccer coach of team, and the situation was maybe worst. He left too.

Q: This 2015/2016 season you have played in the Grissin Bon Reggio Emilia, being runner-up of LEGA. How would you define the season individually and collectively?

A: It was a very good season for myself and for the team, both. We reached the finals and lost in 6 games against Milano.

Q: You were the captain of the team, what does it mean for you?

A: During 2016-2017 season I was the captain and it was my first time. It was a very nice experience and I tried to do my best to help everyone who was in trouble. It was a moment to grow up myself.

Q: This summer you are going to play the Eurobasket 2017. What are your expects for this competition?

A: Our expectations are to bring on the court the great team we are outside in order to reach wins and a position or a medal that we never won with this group.

Q: Right now you are close to 30 years old. Do you already think about the retired or do you still feel like playing?

A: Absolutely not. I´m in the best years of my life and career and I wanna enjoy it and win more than ever.

Q: When you retire, would you like to remain linked to basketball in any way?

A: I still don t know.

Q: Apart from basketball, do you run any kind of business?

A: Yes I have a couple of business with a friend and some investments.

Q: Do you have any ritual before playing?

A: I use to go on the court one hour before the start and take some shots and stretch myself. And put gel on my nice hair (LOL).

Q: Who is the player (opponent or partner) who impressed you the most and why?

A: Reece Gaines. He played with me in Milano and Biella.

Q: Some fight on a basketball court that you can tell us about.

A: I have been part of a pretty much fights in my career. I remember one when I was in national team against Croatia, in a friendly game. This guy, Markota was out of control…

Q: Tell us some funny anecdote you’ve come up with related to basketball.

A: One funny anecdote… When I was in Madrid the Estudiantes fans used to call me FOLLADORI. Don t ask me why… (LOL).

Q: Looking at your career now with perspective, is there any decision you have made that you would make differently?

A: To be honest, no. I will redoit all my choices I have done in my career.

Q: Thank you very much Pietro for take your time for this intervies and good luck for next season in Virtus Bologna.