"It has been so many years, always trying to remain among the elite, which is what we are also seeking for the future, in the men's and women's teams and the U22," stressed the president of the Aragonese club. After experiencing numerous positive and negative moments over these 25 years, he highlighted that "you have to know how to handle both the good times and the bad" and be clear that "this is a medium- to long-term project." "We can compete recklessly, blow through our budgets and go bankrupt quickly, but disappear in three years and be remembered for nothing other than failure," he added.
Looking back, Reynaldo Benito recalled positive experiences from the past 25 years, such as the first official game against Joventut, the third-place finishes in the league and the semifinal against Baskonia, as well as the Basketball Champions League medal. He also mentioned negative experiences, including the death of José Luis Abós and the arrival of Covid-19 when the team was flying in the ACB. "We have to continue and stabilize ourselves at the highest level, as we are trying to do, both in sporting terms and as an institution and organization, with the Copa de la Reina and the Final Six," he noted.
With these hopes for the future in mind, the Casademont president pointed to two objectives he would like to achieve. First, continuing to grow as an institution and being able to have "our own facilities," a goal that is moving closer to reality. On the sporting side, Benito dreams of "winning a title" or reaching a cup final in both the men's and women's competitions. "Hopefully it will be both, giving us the chance to reach the highest possible level. Those moments are incredibly special and exciting, and they leave a lasting mark on the fans," he said.
CURRENT SEASON
Both Casademont sections are now entering the final days of preseason before the new campaign begins on the last weekend of September. "In the men's team, I think we have to learn from the gift the Virgin of the Pilar gave us, and I believe we have to return to the essence of what we were," explained the red-and-black president. The team has undergone a complete overhaul this season and "taken a step back" by not playing in Europe, with the aim of "strengthening the characteristics we had and no longer have." "The talent is more than sufficient and there is also experience in the league, but we have to be cautious because everything is decided at the end of the season," he added.
Regarding the women's team, which continues to reach new heights year after year, Reynaldo Benito said that "we are capable" of repeating the achievements of recent seasons. "A little more is expected every year, which is logical. The club and the players demand it too, and they are delivering. I think we have to be ambitious. It is a privilege to host the Final Six and the Copa de la Reina here, and that has to work in our favor," he said.
