By Alex Madrid/ @TheAlexMadrid
Alex Mumbru talked to Eurohoops about the start of his coaching career. A couple of years ago following more than 20 seasons on the courts, he took over at RETAbet Bilbao. He since led his side back to the ACB and earned a 2020 Copa del Rey berth. The solid run 2019-20 run paved the way for the 2020-21 Basketball Champions League season.
“I am very happy. It was an award for our great season and for the work put in by our players,” he mentioned on his team claiming a spot in the next edition of the BCL, “The team has progressed and I am excited to return to European club competitions. We will be back and compete against elite European competition. Most importantly, our fans will be able to watch more home games, not just every couple of weeks.”
The plan is for the remaining 2019-20 teams to conclude the season in September, before the launch of the 2020-21 campaign. The latter will feature Bilbao back in Europe as a part of FIBA’s premier club continental competition.
“It is an attractive competition, very competitive,” he added regarding the Basketball Champions League commitment, “The club has decided to participate in the Champions League. Like all the decisions made, it seems to be the correct one.”
Mumbru’s team ranked fifth thanks to a 14-9 record when the ACB season was suspended, in response to the coronavirus pandemic. Action in Spain may still be resumed but under totally different circumstances.
“It took away our strong run,” he mentioned referring to the paused 2019-20 ACB season, “We were winning and playing well, but the hiatus changed everything.”
Bilbao will be included in the 12-team tournament to conclude the 2019-20 season if the season indeed restarts. The 40-year-old Spaniard explained to Eurohoops how important reopening the season would be.
“The ACB is one of the best leagues in Europe, not only in theory. The league will attempt to resume action,” he said on possibly getting the campaign back on track, “The conclusion would be far from normal, but we can try to return to normality, which would be good for everyone.”
Early in his run as a head coach, the Bilbao boss replied to a question about coaching the Spanish national team in the future. His NT prizes as a player include gold at the 2006 World Cup, silver in the 2008 Olympic, and gold in the 2009 EuroBasket.
“I would be lying if I tell you that isn’t a dream,” he mentioned on aspiring to take over the Spanish national team, “Who wouldn’t be proud of leading the national team? That would be the right question. I hold incredible experiences from the national team. Surely, I have lived my best moments as part of that team, winning titles, and enjoying success. Clearly and from personal experience, I can say that the national team is a special group.”
“It would be incredible, but the truth is that I don’t think about it,” the longtime national team member stressed in conclusion, “That is a dream. I am focused on training my team, improving as a coach, and above all pushing my team to a higher level.”