Maioli returns to the Azzurri at 42: "It's always a great emotion"

Not only Nicolò Melli. There is also another Reggio Emilia native wearing the blue of basketball. And even if it is 'only' the National Maxi Basketball Over 40, we are talking about an athlete who has played on high-level parquet for a long time, between Serie A and Legadue (between Pallacanestro Reggiana, Ferrara and Avellino) and who still continues to do so at the minors level: in Promozione in Bagnolo.

Stephen Maioli, 42 years old, a 205 centimetre tall power forward, has returned to the spotlight due to his call-up to the Italia Maxi Basket Over 40 team, which gathered last week in Livorno. Maioli, how did this new adventure come about?

"Through a friend, Alessandro Ceparano, who is a bit of a factotum for the over 40 group. He asked me if I was available, obviously I said yes. He spoke about it with coach Granchi who immediately called me up, and I was very pleased about that. Wearing the blue jersey, even if in a group of veterans, is always an incredible emotion. And the level is high, given that there are some teammates who still play in Serie A. And there is a certain David Moss, so to speak". For her, blue is nothing new, however…

"When I was young I went through all the ranks of the Under national teams, even taking part in the Universiade with the Under 20 group. I have kept several shirts from those years, the ones that have resisted wear and tear".

As a professional, she had a more than decent career, especially in A2, until a bad injury stopped her…

"A very rare event. I was in San Severo in Serie B1 and, in training, I got an involuntary strong elbow to the eye. Usually they are big blows, but that's the end of it. I ended up with a damaged optic nerve. It didn't affect me in everyday life but, for insurance and sports fitness reasons, I could no longer play at a professional level".

Ever thought about retiring?

"Absolutely not, the passion has always remained very high. I went down to the lower leagues, getting closer to home: Castelnovo Sotto, Rubiera, Scandiano, Casalgrande. Today I play with Heron Bagnolo".

Why would he do it at almost 43 years old?

"The desire and the head, which do not show signs of age. And the desire to lend a hand to the younger guys, much more physically fit than in my time, but weak in the fundamentals of the game. I try to pass on to them what I have learned from the many excellent coaches I have had, starting with Andrea Menozzi. The body, on the other hand, feels the years, and shows signs of giving way. But as long as it holds up, I will play: family permitting".

That?

"My wife Marianna, also a former player, has always been very patient and helpful with me, even after the birth of our firstborn, Nicolò, who is now 3 years old. However, at the end of June our second child will be born, and... well, I understand that maybe I should stop and my wife is kind of expecting it. Maybe I'll try to get her to give me the green light to one training session a week."

Also because this summer there is the Over 40 World Championship, in nearby Switzerland by the way. A thought to take part?

"I would like to, and I will play my cards. But, as I said before, the level in the group is very high. I will certainly try."