Even so, the Basque coach is aware of the difficulty of the game against an opponent with enormous physical and offensive potential. For that reason, García de Vitoria believes it is essential to maintain concentration throughout the game and minimize mistakes: "When you play against teams of this level, you have to play well for all 40 minutes, because against teams of this level, four mistakes condemn you."
One of the main setbacks for the Rojillos will be the significant absence of Trae Bell-Haynes. However, the coach wants the rest of the squad to step up and demonstrate the team’s collective strength. "We’re going to be without a very important player. Fine, okay. That’s it. No excuses," said the Rojillos coach, who highlighted the step forward Sergi García must take to replace the Canadian point guard. "A winning identity doesn’t mean you’re always going to win, but that we’re going to do everything possible to win," he added.
KEEPING THEIR FEET ON THE GROUND
The Basque coach highlighted the satisfaction he gets from the group’s daily work and the players’ commitment at the start of the season. "With the team, I’m, well, it’s very difficult to be more satisfied, but not because of the results; it’s because coming to work is a pleasure," García de Vitoria acknowledged. Despite the team’s positive opening record, he urged them to keep their feet on the ground and not get carried away by euphoria: "There’s no need to dramatize when things go badly, but there’s no need to start launching fireworks either, because things have started well."
To compete at the Palau, Casademont will have to stop Barça’s fast transitions, contain their individual talent and find solutions to their physical superiority. It is a huge challenge against a Barcelona side that has already lost two games this season. "We have to go in with the idea that they are a team that has lost and can lose again. Why not?" García de Vitoria said.
