By Eurohoops team / info@eurohoops.net
A big week begins from Spanish Basketball, two days before the start of the strike called by the players’ union (ABP). Unless a last-minute agreement between the ACB (Association of Basketball Clubs) and the ABP, the Copa del Rey might actually not be played, according to Mundo Deportivo.
Baskonia has canceled its planned Media Day ahead of the tournament and Barcelona is also considering to do the same after their players declared in favor of the strike. Pau Ribas, who is also the ABP vice-president, said:
“Our rights have to be defended and we support the association one hundred percent. Hopefully, an agreement will be reached because the distances are salvageable and we ask for something fair“.
The matter of the players’ Social Fund and its possible reduction is what has created conflict between ABP and ACB. Yesterday, Spanish League stars like Real Madrid captain Felipe Reyes and forward Rudy Fernandez, Barcelona forwards Victor Claver and Pierre Oriola, Unicaja Malaga guard Nemanja Nedovic or Valencia forward Fernando San Emeterio joined the cause on Twitter.
They have even received support from Spanish players abroad, like CSKA Moscow guard Sergio Rodriguez and NBAers such as Utah Jazz guard Ricky Rubio, New Orleans Pelicans forward Nikola Mirotic and, last but definitely not least, San Antonio Spurs center Pau Gasol.
Photo Credit: ACB