Askatuak Gipuzkoa enters the new competitive cycle with head coach Sergio García charting a pragmatic course centered on financial sustainability and roster adaptation. Speaking ahead of the team’s opening fixture against Granada, García outlined an objective to secure safety in the standings while operating within the lower-middle tier of league budgets.
Budget Realities and Roster Turnover
The club underwent significant offseason roster changes following the departures of several core contributors from the previous campaign, including Ngom, Korsantia, and Tate. According to García, retention efforts were limited by market dynamics that priced multiple players out of the club’s financial scope.
“We tried to renew many of last year’s players, but we could only secure extensions for Ondrej Hanzlik and Gaizka Maiza,” García explained, noting that the rest of the departing roster commanded salaries far exceeding the club’s operational limits.
Operating under a strict fiscal policy of not spending beyond incoming revenue, the club projects its financial footing between the 10th and 14th largest budget in the competition. Despite these economic constraints, García maintains that the primary objective remains avoiding relegation battles while keeping future competitive ambitions open.
Tactical Adjustments and Playing Style
To offset financial disadvantages against wealthier opponents, coaching staff assembled a dynamic roster designed to play at a high tempo. The backcourt features the playmaking control of Gaizka Maiza paired with the speed of Ierai and Capalbo.
Exterior shooting depth includes returning contributors Brian Vázquez and Ondrej Hanzlik, alongside French second-division standout Falcoz and defensive specialist Stürup. In the frontcourt, the team features a unique physical profile with two 2.24-meter centers, Van Komen and Paukste, alongside power forwards Domènech and Omar Lo.
“We need to generate many shots to try to compensate for differences with teams that may have better shooting percentages than us,” García said regarding the high-pace tactical approach.
Staff Additions and Opening Fixture
The technical staff has also been reinforced with the additions of Jon Urtxulutegi and Aitor Zubizarreta, the latter joining to provide veteran leadership and regional understanding of the club’s identity.
Askatuak Gipuzkoa opens its season on the road against recently relegated Granada. Tip-off is scheduled for 19.00 local time, with live broadcast coverage available via baloncestotv.com.
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