Sergio Scariolo’s Virtus de Bologna made it to the semi-finals of the Italian Cup by beating Bertram Tortona 74-66; However, it was not all good news, as they lost one of their most important signings through injury: Ekpe Udoh.
The veteran center had to withdraw from the field on a stretcher after slipping and suffering a knee injury. Although the medical report has yet to be confirmed, the Virtus coach has acknowledged that it is a serious setback and that the remainder of the season could be lost.
“It is a very serious injury. Udoh is a key player for us, both defensively and offensively. It is a very serious injury for the player, but it is also serious for the team. I hope that what happened serves to understand that the health of the players must be respected. In the NBA they don’t slip because there are stickers on the court, ”said an annoyed Scariolo.
A signing is urgently needed
Scariolo, given the possible loss of Udoh for the whole season, will comb the market immediately in search of a substitute for guarantees and, according to the media SportandoThey already have a possible name on the table, former NBA Jordan Bell, who is without a team.
Bell, 26, was selected in the second round of the 2017 Draft by the Chicago Bulls, but immediately traded to the Golden State Warriors. In Oakland he spent two seasons and was NBA champion in 2018, to later play in Minnesota, Memphis, Washington, G League and again in Golden State.
In 160 official games he averages 3.7 points, 3.1 rebounds and 1.3 assists in 12.1 minutes on the field of play.
(Cover photo: Gregory Shamus / Getty Images)
