By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
At the midway point of the Basketball Champions League Regular Season, BAXI Manresa sitting at 2-1 in Group G is far from a standout performance. The loss to Bertram Derthona Tortona in Gameday 2 complicated issues but destroying Niners Chemnitz on Wednesday put the team based in Catalonia back on track in the quest to clinch a berth in the Round of 16.
The timing is brilliant thanks to a win by a margin of 46 points. It was the first BCL win by a margin bigger than 30 points, while the 40 points in the fourth quarter tied a league record and the 71 bench points set a new record. It is looking good once more but we will get back to that.
Past achievements do not play basketball. Considering this specific case, Manresa can be proud of team history at the domestic and continental levels. Establishing connections strengthens an invalid yet emotional argument.
Blast from the past
The golden era of Manresa, then TDK Manresa, was highlighted by winning the ACB championship in 1998. A constant feature in the Playoffs of Spain’s top-flight division was combined with continental campaigns in the EuroLeague, EuroCup, and Korac Cup. However, players the likes of current coach Derrick Alston Sr., Finals MVP Joan Creus, loyal Jordi Singla, experienced Joan Creus, and the late Herb Jones became forever attached to one of the most impressive accomplishments in the history of European basketball.
It has been a minute since the players guided by Luis Casimiro entered the ACB Playoffs after finishing the Regular Season in sixth place, knocked out higher-seeded Adecco Estudiantes and Real Madrid in four games, and built up yet another 3-1 against top-seeded Tau Ceramica to win the championship. The memories are strong, though. From the fans to the players especially Derrick Alston Jr., the son of the former ACB champion, who joined Manresa after two solid seasons at the Rostock Seawolves in Germany.
The former Boise State standout has since emerged as the first option in offense for the team coached by Diego Ocampo. Against the Niners, he became the second player to produce 30 points in less than 22 minutes after Nick Faust in 2017 with Ironi Nahariya. It is early in the 2024-25 campaign, but it would be another great story for him to follow in the footsteps of his father and lift a trophy for the fans continuously packing Pavello Nou Congost.
BCL era
Among the teams returning to the Champions League, Manresa reached the championship game of the 2021-22 season and the Quarterfinals of the 2022-23 season, before taking a break last season. Back in 2019-20, the introduction ended at the conclusion of the Regular Season.
From the guidance of Pedro Martinez, the BCL Best Coach in 2022, to Ocampo, the goal is the game, which is being crowned champion. Besides shocking the universe in 1998, the runs in the modern history of the club provide necessary credentials.
“It is a long season. We are aware of the importance of every game,” noted Cameron Hunt after putting 12 points, four rebounds, three assists, and one steal in the lopsided win against Chemnitz.
Exciting prospect Mario Saint-Supery and a veteran of 55 BCL games Retin Obasohan are among more quality players for head coach Ocampo to work with for the remainder of the season. For now, it is all about reaching the Round of 16 with solid team showings extending through the bottom half of the regular-season schedule. From there, moving past every single obstacle to the Final Four.