The air in Belgrade was thick with anticipation. For Marko Guduric, stepping onto the court for EA7 Emporio Armani Milan wasn`t just another EuroLeague debut; it was a homecoming. Back where his professional journey began, the Serbian sharpshooter, having just navigated a tendinitis layoff from the European Championship, delivered a potent statement of intent. What unfolded was more than just a game; it was a beacon of hope for a club yearning to reclaim its former EuroLeague glory.
A Decisive Return in the Lion`s Den
Guduric`s first appearance in an Olimpia Milano jersey on September 30, 2025, against his former club Crvena Zvezda, was nothing short of cinematic. Despite limited minutes—under 17 to be precise—the 30-year-old guard delivered 10 crucial points, converting three of his four attempts from beyond the arc. His calm demeanor and clutch shooting immediately shifted the momentum, guiding Milan through a precarious opening.
“We all felt he could help us immediately,” praised Coach Ettore Messina. “He didn`t play much, but we tried to use him in key moments, and like all champions, he was decisive. He made the right decisions, scored important baskets, and, most importantly, brought tranquility and confidence to the team.”
This wasn`t merely a player returning from injury; it was a veteran maestro orchestrating a comeback. He proved that even a curtailed preseason couldn`t diminish his impactful presence. His seamless integration offers a tantalizing glimpse into what this new-look Milan squad might achieve as they faced another formidable Serbian opponent, Partizan, immediately after.
The EuroLeague Playoff Imperative
Olimpia Milano`s recent EuroLeague history has been a source of quiet frustration for its loyal fanbase, having experienced an extended vacation from the playoffs since 2022. Guduric, a EuroLeague champion himself with Fenerbahce, arrived in Milan with a clear, ambitious objective: to end that drought. He is under no illusion about the magnitude of the task.
“I don`t know what was missing because I wasn`t here,” Guduric candidly remarked, “but I think now we have a very good team, a good mix of experience, youth, and talent. I`m excited; this team deserves to be at least in the EuroLeague playoffs, and the club and organization, which are top-level, deserve it too. That`s why I think our goal this year must be to reach the playoffs. Getting there would be super: the EuroLeague is very difficult with clubs investing huge resources; the top-level teams have increased.”
This isn`t merely a hopeful aspiration but a strategic declaration. Guduric understands the escalating competition in Europe`s premier basketball competition, making Milano`s quest all the more challenging, and their potential success all the more satisfying. The roadmap to success, as he sees it, involves more than just individual brilliance; it hinges on collective health and unwavering dedication from every player, whether they play 5 or 40 minutes.
“No `I`, Only `We`”: Redefining Leadership
Despite being hailed as a natural leader, Guduric expresses a nuanced view of the term, one that emphasizes action over rhetoric. “The leader… I don`t like this word,” he stated, with a hint of humility that belies his on-court authority. “Leadership, for me, is guiding with example. Talking can be important, but the key is what you do. Ensuring everyone is aligned, in the locker room and then on the court: understanding the objectives and putting the team above individuals.”
This philosophy, centered on unity and selflessness, is the cornerstone of his approach to his new challenge. It`s a pragmatic, almost technical view of influence, where individual ego is meticulously filtered out to foster a singular, shared purpose. In a sport often dominated by star power, Guduric`s “no `I`, only `we`” mantra is refreshingly direct and, dare we say, remarkably effective.
The Messina Factor and a New Chapter
A significant draw for Guduric was the opportunity to work under legendary coach Ettore Messina. “I spoke a lot with the coach, and that`s a big reason why I decided to come,” he confirmed. The clear project vision outlined by Messina and General Manager Christos Stavropoulos resonated deeply with the Serbian guard, signaling a new chapter after years with Fenerbahce.
Leaving a comfort zone, as he describes it, is a powerful motivator. The sting of a disappointing summer with the Serbian national team further fuels his drive for success with Milan. He finds a promising blend in the new squad, noting familiar faces like Devin Booker, Lorenzo Brown, and Vlatko Cancar, alongside hungry young talents such as Brandon Ellis, Leandro Bolmaro, and Nico Mannion.
Beyond Europe: Domestic Dominance
While EuroLeague playoffs remain the pinnacle, Guduric also emphasizes the importance of domestic success. “Winning in Italy would mean it`s been a successful season, given that neither the championship nor the Coppa Italia arrived last year,” he noted. For a club with Olimpia Milano`s pedigree, securing silverware on the home front is not merely an option but an expectation, a testament to their inherent strength.
The journey ahead for Olimpia Milano is long and arduous, a marathon rather than a sprint. But with Marko Guduric`s decisive talent, unyielding ambition, and unique brand of leadership, the path to reclaiming EuroLeague prominence and domestic dominance looks decidedly clearer. The pieces are assembled, the vision articulated, and the work, as Guduric insists, has only just begun. Patience, collective belief, and a relentless focus on the “we” will be their guiding stars in what promises to be an intriguing season.
