Txus Vidorreta: “We know how well Kids&Us Manresa usually plays at home”

First, the Basque coach noted in the Martín Carpena press room that for the team, “it’s been a very good week. We haven’t had any setbacks; we’ve been able to grow as a team, which was the plan. But the overall trend this week has been very positive, and that’s what we need—for the team to grow and, despite the obvious challenges we face in the paint, to have as many players as possible in good shape to perform in these next three away games. Right now we have 12 players ready, and I’ve already told them that tomorrow we have to give 110%, because it’s going to be a tough game.”

 

Regarding the squad’s physical condition, Txus Vidorreta stated that “Alberto Díaz underwent a follow-up MRI, which showed no negative findings, but there’s been no change or update regarding his recovery timeline. It’s still very early; it’s been just over 15 days since he was injured. I see Yannick Nzosa working well, but again, I think the recovery timeline is clear when there’s been surgery following a bone fracture. And today I met with Tyson Pérez, who has already returned after his surgery and is dealing not only with the challenges of needing help with practically everything—since he can’t put weight on his foot—but also with the fact that he caught a mild flu; still, he’s looking forward to being home. And then, as for Tyler Kalinoski, he’s trained well all week; he felt a bit off on Monday, but his condition has improved as the week went on. That ankle still isn’t 100% and causes him some pain—he’s making a huge effort to help the team—but he’s completed every practice, so that’s also good news".

 

When asked about the challenge of this Saturday’s game against Kids&Us Manresa, the Unicaja coach noted that “we’ve already been talking about Kids&Us Manresa all week, and we all know how well they usually play at home—how tough their court is, since it’s small and has an extraordinary atmosphere. We have to play with maximum concentration, paying close attention to every detail, without giving anything away, and although we have several new players, fortunately, many have already played at the Nou Congost, such as Melvin Pantzar and Cameron Hunt. I believe that Iggy Brazdeikis, Simas Lukosius, Melvin, Cameron, and Willy Hernangómez are all players who are always receptive to the feedback they receive—both in the locker room and from the coaching staff—and they’re fully aware of just how challenging this game is going to be".

 

Despite the Catalans’ losses in the Liga Endesa—where they are still winless after three games—Txus Vidorreta has remained cautious about the opponent: “Kids&Us Manresa has a lot of new players, an experienced coach, and a very defined style. I’m convinced they’ll climb the standings because they have a good roster and Diego Ocampo is a very good coach. That said, they also need to start winning as soon as possible. And for them, tomorrow’s game is already starting to feel important. That’s why I say we have to be very focused and concentrated on doing our job well. And, at the same time, on making sure that many players maintain the positive momentum we’ve had this week as a team".

 

Finally, when reminded that this week he’ll tie Manel Comas as the fourth coach with the most games coached in the history of the Liga Endesa—with 745—Vidorreta stated that “the mere fact of tying Manel is an honor. And I almost don’t want to think about what comes next—which will be when I surpass him. Because I think the news right now is the fact that I can tie a guy like Manel, who will always be remembered by those of us who love basketball, both for his extraordinary character and for his extraordinary skills as a coach and communicator”.