Achille Polonara has officially been appointed as an assistant coach by Avellino Basket, marking the first coaching role of his career just months after retiring from professional basketball.
The former EuroLeague forward and Italian international, who announced his retirement from professional basketball earlier this year, will become part of the coaching staff led by Gennaro Di Carlo, marking his first experience on the sidelines after a distinguished playing career across Europe.
Achille Polonara received his National Coach qualification on July 16, allowing him to immediately begin his transition from player to coach. Only a few days later, Avellino confirmed his appointment, welcoming the former EuroLeague forward with great enthusiasm.
The Italian club emphasized that Polonara’s experience at the highest levels of European basketball will be a valuable addition to the coaching staff, highlighting the knowledge he gained while playing under several internationally renowned coaches throughout his career.
Achille Polonara has officially opened a new chapter in his basketball journey after obtaining his coaching license. 🤝🙌https://t.co/XRhlfVeWbD
— Basketball Sphere (@BSphere_) July 19, 2026
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Achille Polonara: I can’t wait to begin
Speaking after the announcement, Achille Polonara expressed his gratitude for the opportunity and excitement about starting his coaching career.
“First of all, I want to thank Avellino Basket for giving me this incredible opportunity. I can’t wait to get started. The team has almost been completed, with only one player still needed to finalize the roster. Personally, I’m highly motivated and very happy to begin this new experience and work alongside coach Di Carlo and the rest of the coaching staff.”
Club president Giuseppe Lombardi also welcomed Polonara, explaining that the partnership was built on mutual respect developed during the months the former Italian international spent in Avellino.
“We are proud to announce our collaboration with Achille Polonara. At the beginning of his coaching journey, we are delighted that he will wear our colors and convinced this is the start of a successful new career that we will build together. We can’t wait to get started.”
A remarkable new beginning after an extraordinary journey
Polonara’s first coaching appointment comes after one of the most inspiring stories in European basketball.
The former forward overcame testicular cancer in 2023 before returning to professional basketball. Two years later, during the 2025 Italian Serie A Finals, he was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia, beginning another difficult battle.
Following a bone marrow transplant, months of rehabilitation, and multiple medical complications, Polonara announced his retirement from professional basketball on May 4. Less than three months later, he earned his coaching license and has now officially started his second basketball career as an assistant coach with Avellino.
After representing clubs including Virtus, Baskonia, Fenerbahce, Anadolu Efes, Zalgiris, and Dinamo Sassari, Polonara now begins a new chapter, aiming to pass on the experience accumulated throughout more than a decade at the highest level of European basketball.
