Bàsquet Girona Welcomes Unicaja After Extended Break, Vildoza Situation Remains
Girona, Spain – After a nearly five-week hiatus since their January 31st victory over Burgos at Fontajau, Bàsquet Girona returns to home court this Sunday to face Unicaja Málaga. The Liga ACB contest, scheduled for 12:00 PM local time (11:00 AM UTC), marks a crucial juncture for Moncho Fernández’s squad as they push for a playoff berth. The extended break, stemming from a combination of away games, the Copa del Rey, and the FIBA window, hasn’t been ideal for preparation, according to coach Fernández.
“It’s been a long time,” Fernández admitted in a pre-match press conference. “Two consecutive away games and two weeks off for the Copa del Rey and the FIBA window have made this a long stretch. The team hasn’t been able to capture full advantage of the time to train, as six players were away with their national teams.”
Injury Concerns and Return to Form
The team’s preparation has been further complicated by the return of players from international duty with varying degrees of fitness. Sergi Martínez, who represented Spain, returned “feeling a bit off,” and was unable to participate fully in training on Friday. “He has a problem with his ankle that he picked up with Spain,” Fernández explained. “He didn’t feel well during warm-up yesterday and couldn’t practice. We’ll see what happens before Sunday and if he can help us.”
Juan Fernández is confirmed to be out with plantar fasciitis, while Maxi Fjellerup has been dealing with some discomfort, though he is currently expected to be available. The team has utilized players from their U22 and junior squads to maintain training numbers during the absences, a practice Fernández praised as beneficial for player development. Izan Soler recently made his debut with the first team in a game against Lleida, a moment Fernández highlighted as a reward for hard work and dedication.
Vildoza’s Future: A Club and Coach’s Perspective
A significant point of discussion surrounds point guard Pepe Vildoza. Fernández addressed the situation directly, stating, “As of today, he is a Bàsquet Girona player and I’m counting on him.” He confirmed having spoken with Vildoza, but only regarding his condition and experience with his national team. The conversation did not address recent reports linking Vildoza with a potential move to Boca Juniors in Argentina, where he was reportedly included on a list of potential signings for the Champions League of the Americas.
According to reports, Bàsquet Girona has not received any offers for Vildoza and has no intention of letting him leave. The inclusion of Vildoza’s name on Boca’s list, despite his existing contract with Girona, reportedly caused some surprise within the club, though it’s understood the list holds no formal validity.
Maric’s Renewal and Team Spirit
Fernández also expressed his satisfaction with the recent contract renewal of center Maric, calling him “an example of dedication, commitment, and fight – the type of player we want.” He further emphasized his desire to maintain the core of the team, stating, “I’m very happy with the players I have and with everyone’s commitment. It’s vital to have people involved who want to be here with us.”
Scouting Unicaja: A Tough Test Ahead
Looking ahead to Sunday’s match, Fernández acknowledged the challenge posed by Unicaja. “This break hasn’t been what we would have liked,” he said. “Unicaja is a team that plays well and with energy, and our first job will be to match that energy level. They are good on the rebound, in the first seconds of possession, and we will need to be able to limit their scoring and decipher their defensive arsenal, which is also very rich.”
Bàsquet Girona currently holds a 10-10 record, marking their best position at this stage of the season in four years. Unicaja enters the contest with a 13-7 record, currently sixth in the Liga ACB standings. The game represents a significant opportunity for Girona to continue their climb towards the playoff picture.
The team will need to overcome the challenges presented by Unicaja’s rebounding prowess and energetic play. For fans unfamiliar with the Liga ACB, this is the top professional basketball league in Spain, widely considered one of the most competitive in Europe. The league features a regular season followed by playoffs, with the top teams vying for the championship title.
What’s Next
Following Sunday’s match against Unicaja, Bàsquet Girona will continue their Liga ACB campaign with upcoming fixtures to be announced. The team will be looking to build on their recent form and solidify their position in the league standings. Fans can stay updated on the latest news and schedules through the official Bàsquet Girona website and social media channels.
Will Girona be able to capitalize on their home advantage and secure a crucial victory against a tough Unicaja side? Share your predictions and thoughts in the comments below!
