"He never rests, he's always leading."

Badalona"We've never had such a long list of interview requests as we have now with Ricky." Judit Borrull, Joventut's communications manager, perfectly sums up the excitement generated by Ricky Rubio's return to La Penya. The 34-year-old point guard is living his dream comeback at the club that trained him. Sales of shirts with the number 9 have skyrocketed, and the number of season ticket holders continues to grow.

Rubio's two appearances in the Catalan National League ACB held in Tarragona have served to demonstrate that his talent remains intact. Against Barça, he finished with 11 points and 5 assists and was key in the 80-81 victory. The Blaugrana team hadn't missed a Catalan final since 2007. Against MoraBanc Andorra, he racked up 13 points and 7 assists in just 15 minutes. "Ricky plays with effort. There aren't any teams that have such good players who play with such intensity. He never rests; he's constantly leading the way. He wants to be part of the team and is very comfortable with the group, which is very committed," says Dani Miret, Joventut's coach.

"Ricky's eyes shine and he's excited to leave a legacy at the club. For us, he's an icon," explains Jordi Martí, Joventut's sporting director. His teammates are delighted. "Playing with a passer like Ricky is a lot of fun," acknowledges Simon Birgander, who returned to the Penya this season.

Every time he stepped onto the court at the Catalunya Sports Palace in Tarragona, the fans applauded him. Rival teams fluctuate between admiration and suffering. "Ricky Rubio is a differentiator; he has an innate vision and knowledge of the game. He multiplies the team's performance," warns Joan Plaza, coach of MoraBanc Andorra. At La Penya, on the other hand, they try to use Ricky's example to strengthen their image as a club that relies on homegrown players. "It's an honor to play with young players from the youth academy at a difficult time. Having all these young players gives us a unique advantage. We're a unique team, and the fans really enjoy it," recalls Miret.

"Joventut was the only option in my head. I didn't consider any other option. It's not about winning titles, it's about feelings, and returning to Penya was a unique feeling. Joventut is a special club. That excitement and that feeling are what most influenced me when it came to returning. I've never gone a year without playing, but I have to contribute, to do what's necessary to help the team athletically.

Baxi Manresa in the final

Despite losing to Bàsquet Girona (89-90), Baxi Manresa qualified for the final. The Bagenc team will fight for the title for the third consecutive year. "We started the game without rhythm or concentration. When we were more accurate with our shots, we improved our defense. We ended up competing very well, playing with determination to achieve our goal. Reaching the third consecutive Catalan League final epitomizes the club's excellent performance," said Diego Ocampo, Baxi Manresa coach.

"I'm happy because after the great physical effort on Thursday, we played with energy. The basket average It leaves us out of the final, but we have played a very good role," analyzed Moncho Fernández, coach of Bàsquet Girona.

Tarragona also hosts the Catalan Women's League semifinals this Saturday. Spar Girona faces MCR Lima-Horta Barcelona (12:30 p.m., Esport3) and Cadí La Seu faces Joventut Badalona (4 p.m., Esport3).