UCAM Murcia Club Baloncesto head coach Sito Alonso outlined high ambitions ahead of the team’s Liga Endesa opener, stating that the club will fight to win the Copa del Rey, reach the league playoffs, and capture a European title during the 2026/2027 season.
Speaking at a press conference ahead of Sunday’s opening fixture at FIATC Girona, Alonso set a demanding tone for the upcoming campaign. The match takes place at the Fontajau pavilion in Girona at 5:00 p.m. local time, marking the club’s entry into domestic ACB action before their FIBA Champions League campaign tips off on Wednesday, October 7.
Roster Readiness and Injury Context
UCAM Murcia heads into the season opener without Cuban small forward Howard Sant-Roos, who remains sidelined with an injury. Despite the absence of a key rotation piece, Alonso expressed confidence in the group’s overall depth and daily approach.
“I have 85% of the squad who have shown me they are 100% competitive, and that competitive level is truly what you need most,” Alonso said during his pre-match press conference.
The head coach also reinforced his standards for discipline and physical output on the floor, noting that previous continuity within the roster helps set the baseline for expectations. “Everyone who has already been with me other years knows what is non-negotiable here. You have to get up with the desire to compete daily, every second, and that is what we demand,” Alonso added.
Assessing the Opening Challenge Against Girona
Turning attention to Sunday’s opponent, Alonso pointed to FIATC Girona’s offensive firepower and tempo as major hurdles for his side at Fontajau.
“It is a super dangerous team in terms of scoring and pace,” Alonso said, anticipating significant difficulties on the road. “Away from home you have to be very good because, otherwise, you have no chance to compete. Winning on that court is extremely difficult and we will have to be as prepared as possible to compete at the highest level against them.”
Multi-Front Ambitions for 2026/2027
Looking beyond the opening weekend, Alonso made it clear that UCAM Murcia intends to contend across all major competitions rather than prioritize a single tournament. The club enters domestic and European schedules aiming high across the board.
“We are going to work to be in the fight to win the Copa del Rey and to enter the play-offs for the League title… and also to be champions at the European level,” Alonso stated. “It is about fighting with the best and for that the first thing is to be competitive since that is the key.”
Emphasizing the collective resolve required to navigate an elite calendar, the coach concluded with a straightforward message about the locker room’s unity: “I don’t know how we are going to finish, but we are going to be united until the end.”
