On the very same night he played an all-around game (17 points, six rebounds, three assists, three steals, one turnover, 29 points, +12 in a very close game, Nicolò Melli has also reached some “minor” but still significant milestones in his career. Yesterday in Monaco he exceeded the 900 career rebounds (now he has 903), overtook Mirsad Turkcan and climbed to the seventh place ever. Next in line, with 928, there’s Kyle Hines! He also surpassed 1,200 total career rebounds (1,202 now), strengthening his 13th position all-time. Finally, he also surpassed the 500 rebounds in the Olimpia jersey (ahead of him in the all-time standings there is only Kaleb Tarczewski). “Nik Melli literally carried the team on his shoulders and led the comeback when everything seemed to go downhill, after the loss of Shavon Shields,” Coach Messina said. “He led us and gave us an opportunity to win this game.” Mell is averaging 11.5 points per game in this EuroLeague with 13.0 of personal rating. He had already scored 16 points in Villeurbanne. “We showed character and it’s important – said Melli at the end of the game – We are at the beginning of the season, and we have to improve in many aspects, but character is what you have or you don’t have, and we have it. The road is long, but against a good, well-coached team, it was an important win. Playing two consecutive road games and winning both of them is huge, but we again are only at the beginning “.