By Eurohoops team / info@eurohoops.net
Before heading over to the NCAA with the Gonzaga Bulldogs, Domantas Sabonis grew up in Unicaja Malaga’s youth system, playing also the 2013-14 season in the ACB.
10 years in the making, he was in the stands of the Martin Carpena Arena to watch Game 5 of the ACB Semi-Finals against UCAM Murcia, in which Ibon Navarro’s team came up short. “I come to Malaga almost every year, but [I haven’t been] in Carpena since my last game here”, he said.
Asked about the support given by the purple-and-green fanbase, he was left speechless. “Incredible. The environment is still the same, I love it”, the Lithuanian forward commented about Unicaja Malaga’s supporters.
Despite cementing his name in the NBA as one of the most impactful all-around forwards in the league, following his father’s footsteps, he’s still a fan. “I have followed the team since when I left, I’ve seen a lot of games. I like to watch Malaga play when I’m in town, and I’ve been lucky to come here today as well”, Domantas Sabonis last said to the team’s official social media accounts.
After playing in Spain, he was selected by the Orlando Magic, and immediately traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder in the 2016 NBA Draft. Then, he spent five years (2017-22) with the Indiana Pacers, before moving to the Sacramento Kings.
🔝Ayer tuvimos la visita de uno de los mejores jugadores de la @NBA: @Dsabonis11
🗣️ Escucha sus palabras sobre el Unicaja, el Club en el que se crio y debutó profesionalmente
👏 ¡Esta es tu casa, Domas!
💚💜#YoSoyDelUnicaja #ADNGuindos @NBAspain @MovistarBasket @MovistarNBA pic.twitter.com/JwpQ11luqZ
— UnicajaCB (@unicajaCB) June 6, 2024
PHOTO CREDIT: Getty Images