Andrea Bargnani spent two months playing under Italian national team coach Simone Pianigiani, whose club team, Montespaschi Siena has been the class of Italy for the past half dozen years.

“Siena is known for its defensive play,” Bargnani said. “They have won the past six championships in Italy because of its defence.”

Bargnani has never played for new Raptors coach Dwayne Casey but he seems to know a season where defense is stressed awaits him and he says he’s fine with that.

“I think that’s great,” he said. “Our biggest problems in the past were with defense. We don’t have a problem scoring the basketball. It’s going to be a great thing for all of us.”