Isaac Vázquez: From EBA to ACB Debut with Bàsquet Girona After Injury Comeback

Isaac Vázquez made his ACB debut with Bàsquet Girona after a rapid ascent from the lower leagues, a milestone he considers just the beginning of a new challenge.

The Galician native’s journey to the elite has been swift. In just four years, Vázquez progressed from Spain’s fourth-tier Lliga EBA to Primera FEB before joining Girona. His debut, however, was delayed by a fractured fifth metatarsal suffered during preseason.

Debut Delayed by Injury

Arriving in Girona with high hopes, Vázquez suffered a setback in his first week of training. The injury, a recurring issue that also halted a move to Cultural Leonesa, forced him to watch from the sidelines for nearly three months.

“It was a very hard blow,” Vázquez said. “You arrive with a lot of illusion, with the desire to learn, to prove yourself and to play in the ACB, which is what you have been dreaming of for a long time, and for that to happen in the first week of preseason is a very hard blow.”

The club’s support was necessary, he added. The technical staff “was not a ten out of ten, it was an eleven out of ten,” helping him through the rehabilitation process. He treated the setback as an opportunity to improve, marking each day on the calendar until he could finally return.

Vázquez Joined the Roster Unexpectedly on Saturday

Vázquez did not know until midday on Saturday that he would be in the game-day roster. His initial plan was to simply participate in the warm-up for the demanding Bilbao matchup.

A New Challenge: Consolidation

With the dream of playing in the ACB now a reality, Vázquez’s focus has shifted to the next phase. His immediate objective is to secure his place in the league.

“I think my goal is to consolidate myself in the ACB here, in Girona,” Vázquez stated. “As is often said, the most difficult thing is not getting there, but staying there and maintaining yourself over time. That is my main objective now.”

The rapid rise has been a whirlwind for the young player. Looking back, he sees it as a privilege, grateful to the clubs that gave him the opportunity to climb the ladder.

“I look back and see that everything has been very frantic,” Vázquez said. “Things have happened very quickly and it seems like a long time has passed, but practically I haven’t even noticed it. I couldn’t ask for more. I’m very happy that it has gone this way.”

Adjusting to the ACB Pace

Vázquez noted the ACB’s meticulous attention to detail, especially with the team managing both domestic and European competitions.

“What has surprised me the most is the level of analysis of every little detail,” he said. “I am seeing it especially with the double competition, because there is much less time to prepare games. Everything is analyzed, controlled and then transferred to the court.”

He also highlighted the physical and tactical demands. The speed of the game and the intensity of preparation magnify what is seen on television, he added. Adapting to this pace is part of his ongoing challenge as he looks to contribute more consistently.

Vázquez Aims to Improve Performance During Away Games

Vázquez sees this as an area the team must address collectively.

“The reality is that at Fontajau we are showing that we are a very solid team,” he said. “The games can be even, but playing at home gives you that extra push from the crowd to make more effort when you need it. Away from home, that is not happening.”

The team is focusing on starting to compete on the road before aiming for wins, Vázquez explained. This week’s away games in Europe and the ACB present an opportunity to build on that goal.

For now, the young guard is content with his decision to join Girona, praising the club’s professional and human quality.

“I am very happy,” he concluded. “I like the city, the club, and the atmosphere at the games. For now, I think I couldn’t ask for a better start to this stage, beyond the injury.”