Josean Querejeta is considering stepping down from his role as president of Kosner Baskonia following a display of fan disapproval during an 86-104 EuroLeague defeat against Real Madrid. The reception at the Fernando Buesa Arena arrived on the date that marked 38 years since he first took charge of the Vitoria club in 1988.
Fan Backlash and the Fernando Buesa Arena Protest
The match against Real Madrid laid bare a fracture between the club’s leadership and its supporters. Querejeta faced jeering throughout the game, culminating in a pañolada where fans waved white handkerchiefs to signal displeasure. Fans displayed banners bearing slogans such as Sin rumbo ni planficación deportiva, el Araba se vacía
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A Disastrous Start to the EuroLeague Campaign
The unrest among supporters coincides with a decline in team performance on the court. Kosner Baskonia sits at the bottom of the EuroLeague standings with a 1-7 record following their loss to Real Madrid. Real Madrid capitalized on a high-tempo offense and 19 points from Maledon alongside a rebounding performance from Tavares, who surpassed Hines as the competition’s all-time leading rebounder. Pedro Martínez’s side maintained a rapid pace with 12 converted three-pointers, while Maledon proved unstoppable with 11 points in 8 minutes on the court to help establish a 21-38 lead early in the second quarter. Simmons later provided a spark for the hosts with 10 points, though Feliz and Jantunen quieted the rebellion before halftime at 46-56. Following a 9-0 run led by Tavares and further scoring from Luwawu-Cabarrot, Jones and Tavares closed out the paint to allow Pedro Martínez’s squad to launch counterattacks and secure the victory above the 100-point mark with six players scoring in double digits at the 40th minute.
“La EuroLeague es más fuerte que nunca y Baskonia seguirá siendo parte de su crecimiento”🎙️ Josean Querejeta, sobre la ampliación de @EuroLeague a 20 equipos.🖇️ https://t.co/9mMWZx9klp pic.twitter.com/wSoFyKLmeZ
The Coaching Change and Squad Struggles
The sporting crisis deepened earlier in the season when club management dismissed coach Paolo Galbiati, who had led the team to victory in the Copa del Rey in Valencia and maintained a connection with the fanbase. Velimir Perasovic took his place in what marks his fourth stint with the team. Roster turnover and the departure of key players have left supporters feeling disconnected from a squad that struggles to maintain competitive depth against higher-spending European opponents.
Uncertainty Surrounding the Buesa Arena Expansion
Querejeta’s potential departure introduces uncertainty regarding the club’s long-term infrastructure plans. If the president leaves, this project could face suspension or cancellation.
Looking Ahead to the Next EuroLeague Fixture
Kosner Baskonia will look to halt their slide when they return to competitive action in the upcoming round of the EuroLeague schedule.
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