Former professional basketball player Luis Parejo has taken over as the sporting director of Cáceres Basket in Segunda FEB, returning to the club where he spent multiple seasons before his retirement. In an interview, Parejo stated that he stepped into the role because he believes the Spanish club can be rescued from its recent sporting and social stagnation despite mounting structural challenges.
Parejo Integrates AI Tools into Player Recruitment
Parejo admitted that his appointment arrived slightly late in the off-season calendar, forcing him to move quickly to secure a competitive squad for Segunda FEB. To streamline player evaluation, the new sporting director has integrated artificial intelligence, automation, and data analytics tools into the club’s recruitment pipeline. According to the interview, prospective players recommended by agents must first pass through a strict filter of specific data indicators before human staff review video footage and secure background references.
The primary tactical objective during the roster construction was to widen the team’s rotation depth and alleviate the heavy minutes burden carried by key players in previous campaigns. While Parejo acknowledged that the club lacks the financial horsepower to sign marquee names like Leveque, he emphasized that the overall average quality of the squad has risen significantly, ensuring that substitutions do not trigger a drop-off in performance on the floor.
Parejo Aims to Rebuild Community Engagement
Beyond the hardwood, Parejo highlighted the erosion of the club’s social base over the six seasons since his departure as a player. Noting that the loss of community engagement developed gradually over years, he stressed that rebuilding local fan enthusiasm will require a methodical, long-term strategy rather than a quick fix. As a former team captain with a degree in Business Administration and a master’s in Marketing and Advertising, Parejo argued that Cáceres must bridge the economic gap with wealthier Segunda FEB rivals through superior professionalization, including traveling conditioning and medical staff.
A Long-Term Commitment Rooted in Personal Ties
Reflecting on his transition from a two-decade playing career to executive management, Parejo emphasized that his return to Cáceres is intended as a permanent endeavor rather than a brief stepping stone. Having married locally and raised his family in the region, the Almería native expressed a desire to repay the affection shown to him throughout his playing days. When asked about his ultimate benchmark for the season, Parejo stated that beyond league tables and promotion battles, success will be measured by whether the club restores its traditional identity and rekindles local excitement for basketball.
Parejo Pursued Business Degrees Before Returning to Club
Parejo studied Business Administration and Management, followed by a master’s degree in Marketing and Advertising, and completed his internship at Renta 4. Reflecting on his departure from home to pursue sports and education in 2003 heading to Madrid, he recalled his parents’ warning: the moment you fail a class, you pack your bags and come back home.
Although he departed Cáceres after the 2020-21 season, he has continuously followed the club and remained aware of its evolution.
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