The Denmark international has enjoyed a key role for his team this season
Iffe Lundberg, Virtus: 'It's very easy to play for coach Banchi'
Seasons
2 Mins read
Combo guard Iffe Lundberg has gone through radical changes in his status at Virtus Segafredo Bologna when comparing last season to this current campaign.
In 2022-23, under head coach Sergio Scariolo, the 29-year-old seemed unable to find his place as he was struggling with what was asked of him. When Luca Banchi came in as Virtus boss just before the 2023-24 season, he saw a different potential in Lundberg and put it to use immediately.
"It's very easy to play for Coach Banchi, let's me put it that way," Lundberg says. "Once there's trust, it's always easier to go out and perform."
In his second season at Virtus, Lundberg is averaging 9.3 points, 1.9 rebounds and 1.8 assists in almost 19 minutes on the court as a player coming off the bench.
"When I took over the team, the player was out of the roster," Coach Banchi explains. "Iffe is an important pillar into our system. He has very specific basketball skills."
Lundberg has been the protagonist for Virtus on many occasions this season, particularly in late-game situations, and he will now have to prove he is a staple in the team when the Italian side travels to face Anadolu Efes Istanbul in the Play-In Showdown on Tuesday night.
"He already proved he has the personality to take responsibilities and initiatives," Banchi concludes. "And that's a good role in every team, not only in Bologna."