"I can tell the fans the same thing I will tell the players on game day: there is only one chance to make a good first impression, and I think that is on Sunday," emphasized the Basque coach, who also highlighted the team's eagerness to be part of "a very special day for the club, when we present both teams." "The process has to start with us. We have to start by giving something to our fans so they can feel it, and in that way, throw out the lasso to win them over and have them by our side," he added, stressing the importance of rebuilding the connection with the Red Tide that was lost during the previous campaign.
In this way, the game against the Murcia side comes after a preseason in which García de Vitoria believes the team has taken steps forward: "We are focusing on the things we need to improve, highlighting the things we are doing well so that we can continue to grow in our ideas." "I think we are clear about our principles; now we need to improve defensively. We have to be able to make the opponent play a little farther from the basket and become more aggressive," emphasized the Casademont coach, who highlighted offensively that the team "understands the game and shares the ball to create advantages."
The Red Tide will get a close look at García de Vitoria's team this Sunday. Photo: Pilar Álvarez
Regarding the defensive aspect, García de Vitoria said that, since the team cannot rely on players who are as physical and powerful, it wants to base its defense more on tactics than on physicality. "We want to aspire to be a team that, when the game ends, can look at the advanced statistics and be below one point per possession or around one point per possession. That is when we can talk about good defense," he explained.
SEASON GOALS
Looking ahead to the new season, García de Vitoria, who did not want to discuss sporting targets, made clear what his main objectives are: "What I want is to connect with the stands and be competitive." "The problem is that this year, apart from three players, everyone is new, and on top of that the coach is new, because last year I was head coach for only three games and 12 days. We need a longer process than other teams that maintain the same approach and core," the Basque coach explained regarding an adaptation period that "will depend on the players' ability to understand things and on the peace of mind the results give us."
Even so, the Casademont coach said he wants his players to set goals before the start of the competition, which will take place on the final weekend of September: "I set a team goal for them, which is to connect with the stands and have a clear identity. Now I want them to talk next week about their objectives. I am not looking so much for standings-related targets, but for them to say, after seeing this preseason, where they think we can go or what they aspire to," García de Vitoria added.
