Olimpia Milan stands as one of Europe’s most storied basketball clubs, boasting a rich history filled with legendary figures. From its inaugural captain, Enrico Castelli, and first coach, Giannino Valli, to iconic leaders like Cesare Rubini, who secured 15 Scudettos and the club’s first European title in 1966, and Dan Peterson, who guided the team to its second European triumph in 1987. The roster of greats includes Dino Meneghin, playing his final season at 44 in 1994; Ron Clark, the pioneering American and first non-Italian to win the national championship in 1956-57; Olympic gold medalists Bill Bradley (USA) and Luis Scola (Argentina); NBA MVP Bob McAdoo; and two-time NBA Coach of the Year, Mike D’Antoni. This prestigious lineage also includes Bogdan Tanjevic and Arthur Kenney, whose profound contributions the club highlights as follows:
Bogdan Tanjevic, born February 13, 1947, in Bosnia, is recognized as one of European basketball’s greatest coaches. A visionary and often unconventional thinker, Tanjevic forged an exceptionally long and decorated career, achieving success with national teams like Yugoslavia, Italy (winning the 1999 European Championship), and Turkey, as well as with clubs such as Bosna Sarajevo. His period with Olimpia Milan was concise yet impactful: he secured the Scudetto and the Italian Cup in 1996 and led the team to two consecutive Korac Cup finals. Tanjevic’s true passion, however, often transcended mere victories, focusing on youth development, nurturing emerging talents, and implementing innovative, sometimes audacious, strategies. He consistently charted his own course, exemplified by his recruitment choices, which included Brazilian star Oscar Schmidt from Caserta, Uruguayan guard Tato Lopez, and Bulgarian center Georgi Glouchkov. Notably, he is credited with “discovering” and significantly developing at least three pivotal Olimpia players: Nando Gentile, Dejan Bodiroga, and Gregor Fucka.
Arthur Kenney (born May 5, 1946, in New York) was a high school legend at Power Memorial Academy, where he was part of a team that won 71 consecutive games, playing alongside future NBA star Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. His career continued with distinction at Fairfield University before he moved to Europe. After a spell in Le Mans, he joined Olimpia Milan (also playing for Naples), where he captured a national championship and two Cup Winners’ Cups, notably scoring 23 points in the 1972 final against Red Star Belgrade. Yet, it was not solely his victories that earned his number 18 jersey its revered status. It was his relentless, indomitable fighting spirit that perfectly encapsulated the expectations of Olimpia’s passionate Milanese supporters. Kenney, though capable of intense outbursts, was defined by his unwavering resolve and refusal to ever surrender or back down. While often remembered for his physicality and courage, it would be an oversight to undervalue his exceptional skills as a rebounder, defender, and even a scorer. Despite playing on teams typically featuring primary offensive threats, he consistently averaged over 14 points per game. He was also honored as the American Player of the Year. In total, he amassed 1,055 championship points during his time with Olimpia.
Art Kenney shared these reflections:
“My duels with (Dino) Meneghin were epic, athletic, incredibly tough, and beautiful. So tough that some nights I’d kick in my sleep, and my wife would get scared, but it was just a nightmare – I was still battling Super Dino!”
He further recounted, “The 1972 Cup Winners’ Cup in Thessaloniki, against Red Star Belgrade, the satisfaction of that victory is unimaginable. Just months prior, in Belgrade, we suffered a devastating 26-point loss, and a brawl erupted on the court and in the stands. I even ended up grappling with the police while pursuing their point guard, Zoran Slavnic. A little over a month later, we met them again in the final, in an electric atmosphere. We had to win, and we did, 74-70. I scored 23 points, but it was truly the team that made the difference. Above all, it was the Olimpia spirit. What pride!”
