AS Baloncesto
The captains of the four teams in the Basketball Champions League Final Four have dissected the key factors ahead of what promises to be the most thrilling edition in the tournament’s tenth year, featuring a stellar lineup. Unicaja aims for a historic three-peat, La Laguna Tenerife looks to lean on its experience and add another title, while AEK arrives with dreams of glory, and Vilnius, despite being a rookie, refuses to rule anything out.
On the eve of the exciting semifinals (Rytas Vilnius vs. La Laguna Tenerife at 18:00, and Unicaja vs. AEK at 21:00), the four captains shared their insights on a Final Four that underscores the BCL’s consolidation as a European benchmark, with sporting merit as its foundation.
**Marcelinho Huertas (La Laguna Tenerife):**
“Nothing can be taken for granted. You have to work extremely hard to get here. We know that—it’s a constant physical and mental effort every night, every year, knowing all teams want to beat us. We have to respond in every game if we want to achieve something great. Over time, I think this project will be seen as something special, but I hope we can add to this legacy.”
“We joke among ourselves about age—we have a great sense of humor. We’re the oldest team in the world. Having players with vast experience, even though we come from different places, gives us many common points, and that helps. We’ve been together for years; we’re like a big family—an old family, but a family. And each year we take better care of ourselves. Nobody gave us anything; we earned it, and I hope we can keep joking about it next year.”
“Winning a BCL title here? I don’t know if it would be an ending, but it would be like a movie—winning where I started my international career and where I still have great friends at this club that opened the doors of Europe and the world for me. To become champion here, where I feel so loved, would be incredible. I hope that wish comes true.”
“In this competition format, there’s no clear favorite. Previous editions have shown that the host rarely wins, even though playing in front of your home crowd is an advantage—it can also be a burden. La Penya has had a great season and was very excited. Now we’re all in the same position, regardless of how many fans come. It will be very open, with tight semifinals where tactical, mental, and physical details could decide the series. The team that stays most focused will have a slight edge.”
**Alberto Díaz (Unicaja Málaga):**
“This year is a bit more complicated because it’s a new project—new players, new philosophy—but maintaining the same mentality is what brought us here, with the same enthusiasm, strength, and desire to face the semifinal.”
“Everyone knows AEK is a very talented, physical, and athletic team. They’ve improved a lot compared to last year, with a great coach. It will be a tougher challenge than last year. It’s going to be a battle. Key will be maintaining our level, focus, and concentration for 40 minutes. It will be a challenge.”
“In the new and young players, I’ve seen enthusiasm. We don’t have the pressure of previous years. We’ve tried to take off the pressure, change the mindset in this last month, and start from scratch, which can change the season. The new guys have the excitement of the first time, and the veterans want to win another title. We’re all motivated. Keeping a cool head in tough moments will be crucial.”
**Arturas Gudaitis (Rytas Vilnius):**
“We know who we’re playing against, but in a single game, anything can happen. We’ll try to give our best.”
“A few players have been through an unpleasant virus—I won’t describe it—but we’re fine now. We’ve been able to train well, so I hope we arrive in good shape for the semifinal.”
**Dimitris Flionis (AEK):**
“We’ve been hungry all year.”
