Achille Polonara diagnosed with myeloid leukemia, Virtus Bologna in shock during finals
While Virtus Bologna is currently playing in the Serie A playoff finals, the club shared devastating news about their Italian player Achille Polonara (6’9″, 33 years old). The 33-year-old big man, who previously played for Fenerbahce and Baskonia, is hospitalized in Bologna where he has begun treatment after being diagnosed with myeloid leukemia.
A new battle for Achille Polonara
In a statement released Monday, Virtus Segafredo Bologna announced that their Italian power forward, Achille Polonara, is suffering from myeloid leukemia. The player, absent since the series against Olimpia Milan, is currently being treated at Sant’Orsola-Malpighi Hospital in Bologna where he has already started a therapeutic protocol.
« The entire Virtus Segafredo Bologna family stands close to Achille and his loved ones and wishes him a speedy recovery. Come on Achi, we are all with you, we’re waiting for you! » the club wrote in its statement.
This diagnosis comes less than a year after the Italian international underwent surgery for testicular cancer in October 2023. After a gradual recovery, he had returned to the court with an ambitious Virtus team in both EuroLeague and Italian championship.
A rich European career
After coming through Teramo’s youth academy, Achille Polonara established himself as a major player in Italian basketball. He was twice named best Italian player under 22 in Serie A, before playing for leading clubs like Varese, Reggio Emilia and Sassari before moving abroad to Baskonia, Fenerbahce, Anadolu Efes and Zalgiris Kaunas. In 2020, he won the Liga Endesa with Baskonia.
In July 2023, he joined Virtus Bologna with whom he won the Italian Supercup in September. This season, he had been a key rotation player before being sidelined for medical reasons during the playoffs.
Wave of support from basketball world
Following the announcement, numerous messages of support flooded social media from both former clubs and teammates. Virtus, in the championship finals against Brescia, is now playing with heart and emotion.
The European basketball community, particularly in Italy, remains united in support of Achille Polonara during this difficult challenge.
Forza Achille🙏 https://t.co/KmSmtbVWel
— Turkish Airlines EuroLeague (@EuroLeague) June 16, 2025
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