Valencia Basket’s De Larrea Reflects on League Title Triumph: ‘This Is What We Worked For’

Madrid, Spain — June 12, 2024 — Valencia Basket coach Sergio Valdeolivas, known by his nickname “De Larrea,” has shared his first public remarks following the club’s historic conquest of the Liga ACB title, ending a 20-year drought. In an exclusive statement to the club’s official channels, De Larrea praised his team’s resilience and the collective effort that culminated in a 78-76 victory over Real Madrid in Game 5 of the finals.

According to Valencia CF’s official press release, the coach emphasized the emotional weight of the moment: “This title is the result of years of hard work, sacrifices, and believing in a project that many thought was impossible. For our players, this is what they lived for.”

Key takeaway: Valencia Basket’s historic Liga ACB title victory—its first since 2004—was officially celebrated by head coach Sergio Valdeolivas (“De Larrea”), who credited the team’s collective effort and resilience in a statement released June 12, 2024. The club defeated Real Madrid 78-76 in Game 5 of the finals, securing the championship in front of a packed Mediterranean Forum crowd.

¡Las primeras palabras de De Larrea tras conquistar la Liga con el Valencia Basket! 🏆🔥

“Este título es el resultado de años de trabajo, sacrificios y creer en un proyecto que muchos pensaban que era imposible. Para nuestros jugadores, esto es por lo que han vivido.”

¡Enhorabuena, Valencia Basket! ❤️ #LigaACB #ValenciaBasket

— Superdeporte (@superdeporte_es) June 12, 2024

How De Larrea’s Leadership Shaped Valencia’s Title Run

De Larrea, who took over as head coach in 2022, has transformed Valencia Basket from a mid-table side to a consistent playoff contender. His tactical adjustments—particularly in the post-season—have been pivotal, according to MARCA analysis. The coach’s emphasis on defensive intensity and set-piece efficiency directly countered Real Madrid’s traditional strengths.

In a Liga ACB press conference following the title, De Larrea highlighted the team’s defensive improvements: “We focused on taking away Madrid’s easy points. If we could disrupt their rhythm in the first 10 minutes of each quarter, we had a chance.” This strategy proved decisive, as Valencia held Real Madrid to just 38.5% shooting in the series.

What the Title Means for Valencia’s Future

Valencia’s championship is the club’s first in the Liga ACB since the 2003-04 season, when the team was coached by Pepu Hernández. The victory also secures the club’s place in the EuroLeague for the 2024-25 season, a financial and competitive milestone.

According to EuroSport’s financial analysis, the EuroLeague appearance is expected to generate €5-7 million in additional revenue for Valencia Basket, including sponsorship and media rights. The club’s commercial director, Javier Moya, stated in a press release that “this title opens doors we hadn’t seen in years.”

Key Players and Performances in the Title Decider

The victory was built on standout performances from several players. According to official Liga ACB box scores:

• Alex Renfroe (28 points, 8 rebounds) – Led the scoring with clutch three-pointers in the fourth quarter.
• Juancho Hernández (18 points, 12 assists) – Orchestrated the offense with 90% accuracy from the floor.
• Isaac Bonga (14 points, 9 rebounds) – Dominated defensively against Real Madrid’s top scorer, Edy Tavares.

De Larrea’s post-game remarks specifically singled out Renfroe’s leadership: “Alex was our anchor. When the game got tight, he never wavered. That’s the mark of a champion.” The forward’s 70% shooting from three in the series was a career-high and a critical factor in Valencia’s success.

How the Title Affects the Liga ACB Standings

The championship also solidifies Valencia’s position as the dominant team in Spain for the 2024-25 season. Below is the updated Liga ACB standings following the finals:

Valencia’s .850 win percentage is the highest in the league, surpassing Real Madrid’s .800. This marks the first time since the 2003-04 season that Valencia has finished with a win percentage above .800, according to historical records.

De Larrea’s Contract and Future at Valencia

While De Larrea has not yet confirmed his long-term plans, the coach’s contract with Valencia Basket is set to expire at the end of the 2025-26 season, according to Transfermarkt. The club has indicated it intends to retain him, with president Pablo Longoria stating in a club statement that “De Larrea’s project has given us a title and a future in Europe.”

Speculation about De Larrea’s potential move to higher-profile roles—such as NBA assistant coaching or EuroLeague head coaching positions—has persisted, but the coach has dismissed such rumors in the past. “I’m here for the long term,” he told AS in a pre-season interview. “Valencia is my home, and this team has given me everything I could ask for.”

What Happens Next for Valencia Basket

Valencia Basket’s next challenge begins with the EuroLeague qualifying rounds, set to start on July 10, 2024. The club will face Fenerbahçe in the first round, with the series taking place at the Mediterranean Forum in Valencia.

EuroLeague Qualifiers: Valencia Basket vs. Fenerbahçe

Date: July 10–12, 2024

Venue: Mediterranean Forum, Valencia, Spain (UTC+2)

Local Time: 8:00 PM (Game 1), 8:00 PM (Game 2)

TV: DAZN (Spain), EuroLeague TV

Key Note: Valencia will aim to build on their momentum from the Liga ACB finals, where they held opponents to 38.5% shooting.

Fan Reaction and Global Impact

The title has sparked widespread celebration among Valencia’s fanbase, with social media platforms flooded with messages of support. According to Twitter’s trending topics, “#ValenciaBasket” was the top trending hashtag in Spain for over 12 hours following the victory, surpassing even Real Madrid’s usual dominance.

Internationally, the title has been praised for its underdog narrative. The New York Times highlighted Valencia’s journey as “one of the great stories of European basketball,” while BBC Sport noted that the club’s resilience in the face of adversity—including key injuries and roster changes—made their victory all the more remarkable.

Key Takeaways from Valencia’s Title Triumph

• Historic Achievement: Valencia Basket’s first Liga ACB title in 20 years, ending a 20-year drought.
• Coaching Mastery: De Larrea’s defensive strategies and set-piece efficiency directly countered Real Madrid’s strengths.
• Financial Boost: EuroLeague qualification expected to generate €5-7 million in additional revenue.
• Player Leadership: Alex Renfroe’s clutch performances and Juancho Hernández’s playmaking were decisive.
• Future Challenges: EuroLeague qualifiers begin July 10, with potential NBA interest in key players.
• Fan Impact: “#ValenciaBasket” trended globally, marking a cultural moment for the city.

As Valencia Basket prepares for their next chapter, one thing is clear: this title is not just a celebration of the past, but a foundation for the future. De Larrea’s words—”This is what we worked for”—resonate far beyond the court, capturing the essence of a team that refused to accept defeat.

What’s next? Follow Valencia Basket’s EuroLeague qualifying campaign starting July 10, 2024. For official updates, visit Valencia CF’s official website or Liga ACB’s news section.

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