Virtus Bologna guard Travis Best is full of optimism heading into this weekend's Coppa Italia.

The Italian giants, who haven't won a Coppa since 2002, have been at or near the top of Lega A for most of the season and in the EuroCup, Best and Co have been one of the competition's top teams.

Come Sunday, Virtus could lift the Coppa Italia in front of their own fans as they are hosting the prestigious event at the PalaMalaguti.

		Best is averaging 13.6 ppg in the EuroCup.

They begin their quest for glory on Thursday against Whirlpool Varese.

"The draw is very interesting," Best said.

"I have been told that Virtus hasn't won this trophy in the past five years.

"I believe the time has come to put things right and give our fans some joy."

Virtus have suffered with players missing games through injury, and a back problem sidelined Best for part of the season.

"We have some injured players that affected our play, we don't always have everyone available," Best said.

"And it's not unusual that we are tired at this point of the campaign.

"But I think that playing the Coppa Italia at home will be a great advantage for us."

Best, 34, has meant a great deal in terms of points, and experience. He has averaged just under nine points per game in Lega A, while in Europe Best has been even better, averaging 13.6 points and 5.1 assists.

"I am really satisfied with my performances so far," he said.

"I have always tried to help the team, sometimes I have succeeded, others not so much."

The General, as he is known in Bologna, feels a lot of responsibility with the Italian team, particularly with Italian national team point guard Fabio Di Bella out of action for a few months following back surgery.

A college star at Georgia Tech in the famous Atlantic Coast Conference, Best graduated to the NBA and had a long career before playing in Russia last season and moving to Lega A this term.

"I think I am considered the leader of the team because of my experience in the NBA," Best said.

"I try to be a winner, even during training.

"I think my team-mates recognise this."

As for Virtus' form under coach Zare Markovski, Best added: "In my opinion, for what we have done in the past five months, we would deserve to be in the top position in the standings.

"I really believe we can do well. We continue to work hard in training despite the injured players we have."

And, very important, Best says he is loving life in Italy.

"In Bologna," he said, "I feel at home."