The top-10 of the Euroleague speaks Spanish
It may sound cliché because it is very common to say it, but we are lucky that it is like this: Spanish basketball is in good health. The absolute men’s team, in the process of rejuvenation, may not be at its best, but the women’s and lower categories They always compete for the highest levels.
Regarding continental club competitions, Spanish teams are regular guests to be in the fight for titles, be it Basketball Champions League, Eurocup or FIBA Europe Cup, and this is what happens in the Euroleague. The Spanish presence is very rich both in teams and in coachesdistributed among some of the best benches in Europe.
Great level on the court…
In the highest continental competition, after nine days of championship, the local representatives are meeting expectations. Apart from the Baskoniawho was not expected at the top but also not being the red lantern, Barça, Real Madrid and Valencia Basket They are giving the expected level.
Madrid, today, is the best classified, in fourth positionso they would be seeded in the play-off. The group led by Pedro Martinez chains six consecutive victories and has a balance of six wins and three losses.
However, six more teams have the same record, among which are Valencia Basket (5th) and Barça (8th). Taronjas and azulgranas have started on the right foot despite the multiple changes and injuries, and will try to hold on to the upper-middle zone.
…and on the benches
On the other hand, historically there has always been talk of great level of Spanish basketball coacheswho have always been on the best benches in Europe and even on the other side of the pond. Returning to the Euroleague, it’s amazing.
Four of the top ten teams in the current standings are coached by coaches from here. The first of them, surprisingly, is the Red Star of Ibon Navarrowho has fallen on his feet and leads the train of balance 6-3 as third classified.
His most immediate pursuers are Pedro Martínez’s Real Madrid and Xavi Albert’s Valencia Basketwhich currently would also be classified directly for the play-off. A little further down, in the play-in area, you will find Barçawhich is not directed by a Spaniard but by the Slovenian Aleksander Sekulic, and the Dubai Basketball (9th) of Xavi Pascualcalled to be higher and be one of the teams in the Final Four. There is a long way to go.
Wide representation
In the Euroleague there are three more Spanish coaches who, despite the fact that their teams are not in the top ten, only need to give an ax to be there. Joan Peñarroya’s Partizan Belgrade, Álex Mumbrú’s Virtus de Bologna and Pablo Laso’s Anadolu Efes – in this order – occupy 12th to 14th position with one victory less than the tenth placed, Zalgiris Kaunas (4-5).
Elite Spanish basketball is in a great moment, always at the top in all competitions, repeating participation in the Final Four of the Euroleague and with coaches with a great track record.
