Partizan Shifts into Fifth Gear! Center, Forward, and Now a Point Guard: Alessandro Pajola is Partizan's New Basketball Player!

Partizan announced the arrival of Lamar Stevens in the early hours, and confirmation for the Italian international quickly followed.

Pajola is the black-and-whites' third official reinforcement this summer, following Kevarius Hayes and the aforementioned Stevens. Of the previously anticipated signings, official confirmations are still pending for Derek Willis, Kyle Allman, and Nikola Tanasković — and possibly the return of Alen Smailagić.

Pajola arrives as a direct replacement for Nick Calathes and a complementary alternative to Carlik Jones. He is an uncompromising fighter who constantly pressures opposing guards and brings much-needed defensive stability.

Precisely this type of player will be a crucial link in Joan Peñarroya's system, where aggressive on-ball defense is the foundation for the fast transitions and dynamic basketball he champions. Lamar Stevens also fits this player profile.

Interestingly, the Italian developed at Virtus alongside Serbian coaches and players: he was coached by Aleksandar Đorđević, while Stefan Marković and Miloš Teodosić were his teammates and mentors.

He has won the Serie A championship twice, the Italian Supercup three times, and was named the best defender in the Italian championship on two occasions. Additionally, his trophy cabinet includes the EuroCup and FIBA Champions League titles.

He concluded last season in the EuroLeague with averages of 4.1 points, 3.4 assists, and 2.1 rebounds per game. However, his greatest value isn't reflected in statistics: Pajola spent his entire career (a remarkable 11 years) at Virtus, experiencing the club's journey from the second division to the European elite.

By bringing him in, Partizan not only gains a defensive lockdown specialist but also a player of exceptional character and a winning mentality.