By Antonis Stroggylakis/ info@eurohoops.net
ABP (Spanish Association of Basketball Players) president Alfonso Reyes discussed the problems that players have to cope with ahead of the World Cup Qualifiers that launch on November 23 in the first FIBA Window.
“Our advice to the players is that they should ask their clubs, in writing, what they have to do and whether they should play in the Window of November,” Reyes said as reported by Spanish newspaper “El Espanol“.
Reyes also expressed his strong disagreement with games for World Cup Qualifiers held during a season, stating that, “FIBA Windows are an absolute mistake”
“(In Spain) we are the most affected and attacked by FIBA Windows. The national team’s’ competitions exist because the best players are on it. This makes no sense,” Reyes added. “A summer without national teams is deadly for the fans.”
After all, the season’s schedule is already exhausting as it is. Sometimes a player must give four games within one week, taking into account obligations in both domestic and continental leagues. “You play a lot but also train a lot,” commented Reyes regarding EuroLeague’s demanding program.
Reyes wanted to make clear that his association is not taking the part of either FIBA or the Euroleague in the debate which generates “a totally damaging situation” for the players. While the player’ bodies undertake a heavy workload, their feedback is barely considered by the decision-making centers.
“It’s an unfair process for the players. We have not been involved in the development of the calendar and we have not been taken into account. Now it’s intended for the players to carry the weight of the decision.”
Reyes’ words echo what several players have said in regards to not being heard enough. Unicaja Malaga players and Fenerbahce’s Gigi Datome have already addressed the issue, asking to be involved when plans are being made on their future, the ever-increasing number of games and their schedule.