Roma SPQR is aggressively trying to shape the club’s infrastructure ahead of its debut campaign in the EuroCup and Serie A, securing major front-office additions with vast NBA experience.
It has long been known that Donnie Nelson is involved in the Roma SPQR project, as well as Luka Doncic, and now new information has emerged about who else could join them in a front-office role.
According to Italian outlet La Prealpina, management has finalized a deal with former NBA executive Bryan Colangelo, while also attempting to close a deal with legendary coach Mike D’Antoni to join the Board of Directors.
The former GM of the Phoenix Suns, Toronto Raptors, and Philadelphia 76ers would step into a key advisory role for the ownership group, where he is expected to represent the team directly at official meetings.
Simultaneously, Roma SPQR reportedly wants to strengthen its administrative framework by adding D’Antoni to its governing body. The tactical mastermind, who was recently inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame, has deep ties to Italian basketball, making this potentially the final stop in the 75-year-old’s career.
He began his historic career in Milan0, spending 13 years there as a player and four years as a coach, before taking over Benetton Treviso. His presence on the panel signals the outfit’s high-level international ambitions.
Roma SPQR announced 13 players for training camp
These administrative milestones coincide with major roster developments, highlighted by signing Nico Mannion, who joined after conversations with Luka Doncic.
The club has earlier named 13 players who have been called up for the beginning of preparations, including several experienced additions and young talents.
The full group announced for training camp is:
- Nico Mannion
- Corey Davis
- Gerald Ayayi
- Erik Stevenson
- Micheal Iuzzolino
- Trentyn Flowers
- Arturs Strautins
- Giannis Odzebe
- Paul Watson
- Andrea Mezzanotte
- Jesse Edwards
- Marko Simonovic
- Giovanni Emejuru
Sergio Scariolo’s role
Additionally, another great coach, Sergio Scariolo, recently came on board as Special Advisor for Basketball Strategy, where he will attempt to help rapidly transform the squad into a European powerhouse.
Asked about the future of the project, Scariolo stressed that Roma SPQR cannot afford to skip important stages of its development.
“This is a question for someone capable of seeing into a crystal ball. We are at the beginning, this is a newborn that has just left the hospital. Soon, it will be asked to attend elementary school, middle school and high school. You have to be able to set expectations correctly. Everyone wants to compete, but you cannot skip stages. We have to move forward quickly, and that will force us to accelerate these steps.
But first you have to create a structure, then a culture of team values, a playing system that is functional to the players who will be here”, former Real Madrid coach said.
