Umana Reyer Venice point guard Stefano Tonut is one of the longest-tenured players on his team and at age 27, right at the prime of his career. He started the season with a bang, producing 14 points and 5 assists in a 62-73 road win at Mincidelice JL Bourg en Bresse last week and is eager to keep the good form going as he tries to lead Reyer to a bounce-back season. After reaching the quarterfinals two seasons ago, Reyer struggled last season and failed to advance past the regular season. Tonut's time in Venice has seen the club reach new heights and it's something he takes great pride in. "Considering that Reyer will turn 150 years old next year, I'm happy to be part of it for seven, since this is my seventh season in the organization, with huge historic achievements," he said. "I'm proud to be the second player all-time in games played, behind our captain, Michael Bramos. "
Stefano Tonut, Venice: 'We get on well on and off the court'
Hello, Stefano. Congratulations on the first win of the season. Bourg scored just 62 points. Is that what your team wants, to become one of the EuroCup's best defenses?
"Thank you. It was an important game for us. Currently, we are working on building our team identity and knowing each other better. Defense always comes first in our system and that kind of win I think will increase our spirit. It's important to put our weekly work into the game and get the win. We do not worry about being the best defense; we care about being focused on defense every game for 40 minutes. If eventually, we become the best defense, it means we will have worked well."
Last season, Reyer did not make it past the regular season. Is that an extra motivation, especially for a competitive team like yours?
"Last year was tremendous for us. Because of COVID troubles, we could not compete. So, we have revenge feelings and the desire to compete against the great European teams."
"Our brand of basketball requires focus, effort and sacrifice, and having a solid core group for sure is helpful."
What do you think about the new format with 18 regular-season games, then win-or-go-home showdowns until one there's a champion?
"The new format is very challenging. It looks like another championship, with some top European teams investing a lot to go all the way to the end of the competition. The win-or-go-home showdowns are ruthless because every little detail will count, especially the shape teams are in at the right moment. "
Reyer's core players - you, Michael Bramos, Mitchell Watt, Andrea De Nicolao, Valerio Mazzola - have been working for Coach Walter Di Raffaele for many years. How much of an advantage is that continuity?
"It is an advantage for us. It's also useful to fit new players more easily within the system. We really get on well on and off the court; that's really important in my opinion. Our brand of basketball requires focus, effort and sacrifice, and having a solid core group for sure is helpful."
In your opinion, which teams should be Reyer's main opponents to win the EuroCup this season?
"As I said, there are a lot of great teams with competitive rosters, but honestly I worry only about us and our growth. And, also I do not want to hype anybody because I used to be bad at that, hahaha."
Reyer was without any titles for 75 years before winning four in four seasons during your time there. How did it feel to resurrect such a historic club?
"I'm very proud of it. Considering that Reyer will turn 150 years old next year, I'm happy to be part of it for seven, since this is my seventh season in the organization, with huge historic achievements, as well. I'm proud to be the second player all-time in games played, behind our captain, Michael Bramos. "
Your father, Alberto Tonut, was a well-known basketball player. Even though he played a different position, how much of an inspiration has he been for you?
"I have a wonderful relationship with my father. Since I started playing, besides technical and tactics sides, he always told me to have the best possible attitude with my teammates, respecting the opponents every time. He follows every game of mine and we are always on the phone afterward."
"We know we are at the beginning of the journey, but we are here building our team identity."
Is it true that your main hobby is fishing? What do you like about it?
"It is, indeed, my favorite hobby during the summertime or whenever I can do it. I love it because it is really relaxing and enables me to unplug my mind from job and life situations. I have liked it since I was little."
Next you play Frutti Extra Bursaspor, which just lost to Virtus Segafredo Bologna. How important is not being overconfident at home?
"There are no easy games in the EuroCup so it's really important taking one at the time. It's will be a tough one and we will need the same attitude as in the first game in Bourg-en-Bresse. We also have to play our brand of basketball for 40 minutes, starting from our defense to get the confidence to play our offense. We know we are at the beginning of the journey, but we are here building our team identity right now, so every situation matters."
What would be a good EuroCup season for you, personally, and for Reyer?
"For us, it would mean competing all the way to the end. We want to take the challenge and grow day by day to perform well against everybody, putting in our best effort. Personally, it's a good test for me, playing against great players, to keep growing my game."