After the pandemic, the Unicaja was a drift team that wandered through the middle zone of the ACB table. Today, the Malaga have achieved six titles in two and a half years and run for a historical season in which up to five trophies could win. Much of blame is the two architects of the project. Antonio Jesús López Nieto, president of the Cajista entity, and Juanma Rodríguez, sports director. Both attend Mark at the La Ponderosa restaurant, talisman of the titles of the Guindos Club, to explain the master lines of the project after the achievement of the BCL.
Question: We are facing the best moment in the club's history …
López Nieto: Definitely. I don't think anyone thought that at this height of the competition we carry the four titles. It is not normal. We must enjoy this beautiful moment
Juanma Rodríguez: It is clear. Apart from all the titles, I think the best is that, after a lot of work behind the club, this seems to continue for many years.
I see that the 14 players can follow. I don't see it impossible
Q: Are you proud of titles as president or to return to Unicaja to the site that belongs to you?
LN: I am proud of the titles but more about what has been generated around the titles, which certify everything.
Q: Unicaja dynasty is being formed …
J. R.: The most important thing here is that I think it is being managed in a way to leave the club well for many years. Where we want to go, how to work, how to work and how to interact with fans. An idea of a club for many years.
Q. Do you worry that the big ones come to peck in the template?
J. R.: I see complicated that they can follow the 14. I do not see it impossible. Have 12 players next year from our block. If you pay the clauses, it may be more players who can go. We know the objectives of the club: play the Cup, get as far as possible in the BCL and be in the Endesa League playoff.
LN: I will be very resounding in this. We are going to strive but we cannot crack our clothes by anyone. Unicaja does not negotiate clauses, the one who wants comes and pays the clause and leaves.
I am proud of the titles but more about what has been generated around the titles
Q. Kam Taylor's already left Brizuela. Is that the plan?
J. R.: You have to help the player who comes and integrate it into the team. It seems that if you leave, it will go tatum. Let's not start comparisons until the season starts
LN: What you can't have are repeated chromos, players who give you the same things. The idea, culture is there. We still have to play 5-6 games, although I think they will be more. In summer we talk about signings.
Q. This BLC has been different, it has been tasting more …
LN: The atmosphere was up to a European final. I think that although people disable this competition, for Unicaja it has been key this step a few years ago to go to the BCL. We know what this project is and now more players want to join.
J. R.: The team gave a defensive clinic with four defensive robberies, from Carter, to take the step to victory. In the final our silent MVP, which is always, which is Kalinoski. Playing in Athens before the AEK puts a lot, the atmosphere was spectacular.
Q. The fans now ask the ACB …
LN: The ACB League in the last two or three years is a competition where a team that has won Madrid and Barcelona, that demonstrates the level. We only ask to arrive without injuries to the playoff.
He is managing to leave the club well for many years. This seems to continue for a long time
Q. Carpena is being small. Would you make a reform?
LN: The palace is from Unicaja and then complemented with specific events. The effort for public administration is that money cannot be thrown for things that are not necessary. A carpena branding is needed. Put a masonry according to the modern time we live, lighting …
Q: How do you see the theme of FIBA-NBA?
LN: The Euroleague tries to put its tricks and fiba-nba his. The NBA has bought that order from FIBA. So that there is an important television contract, with 16 franchises and four seats. What I believe is less and the sustainability of Eurocup that costs a lot of money to Euroleague, I do not understand to maintain it.
Q. Was Unicaja joined that project?
LN: The BCl is open and even if you say that the first parties are not interesting, which is broadcast in so many countries gives you continuity, they see it everywhere. Unicaja is one of the best known teams in the world, it is everywhere. The data of the 2 show greater audience than the last two Cups of the King, in which were Barcelona and NBA.
A player is substitutable but Ibon … is a fantastic coach
Q. How important is the figure of Ibon Navarro?
Ln.: A player is substitutable but Ibon … is a fantastic coach. We two always trust. Already in the month of April 2022 Ibon was honest and told me that if there were no doubt, he did not want to put us in any problem. It began to work, it went well, it started working and now Ibon, first because it has earned it, because it works and combines a lot with Juanma.
