A unique couple to seek a dreamed legacy
The duo of Ricky Rubio and Nico Laprovittola debuts with a defeat, but sparks the optimism of the green-and-black fans
TarragonaOne is 35 years old and the other 36, but the excitement they generate is priceless. Asisa Joventut has started competing with Ricky Rubio and Nico Laprovittola, a duo that has sparked the optimism of a green-and-black fanbase eager to experience strong emotions. La Penya debuted with a loss against iLerna Lleida in the Catalan National League (89-84), but its followers have high hopes placed on this season.
The chemistry between the Catalan and the Argentine is perfect. "As a fan, it is a pleasure to watch Laprovittola and I am very eager to see his magic. I believe he is a player who has given a great deal to this club at a very delicate moment and who is held in high regard. As a teammate, we can now coordinate much more, in a stage of our careers where it can be key that we help each other," asserts Rubio. The point guard let go of a pass between the legs. "I really wanted to share the court with Ricky," admits Laprovittola, whom Barça did not want to renew. La Penya, on the other hand, offered him a three-season contract.
Rubio (13 points and 6 assists) and Laprovittola (14 points) already coincided at Barça during the final stretch of the 2023-24 season. "It is a fun pair. They are excited to play together and raise the team's ceiling. They are masters at controlling the game. There will be moments when it interests us to run more and others when it interests us to run less," analyzes Dani Miret, coach of Asisa Joventut.
"I didn't come back here just to play basketball, but also to leave a legacy in the city and the club. I want this project to keep moving forward. There are aspects we can improve and I want us all to have that ambition so that this club returns to where it deserves," assures the point guard from Masnou.
"Last year I think very high goals were achieved and comparing them with this season is difficult. We haven't been able to retain players we would have liked to continue with because we have the budget we have," explains Rubio. The Catalan point guard admits that the team is not arriving with the desired preparation for the first official tournament of the season, although he has rejected that this circumstance can serve as an excuse.
"When I finished last season, I was physically and mentally at my limit. When you end up that way, it means you've given it your all. I needed a couple of weeks, but afterwards, I was quite clear that I wanted to return to the project," summarizes Rubio.
Barça takes the stage
The new Barça designed by Xevi Pujol takes the stage this Thursday, when they will play against MoraBanc Andorra (9 PM, Esport3). "The first big challenge, after the preseason, is to continue working from official competition, to build the group, develop tactically, and start assuming the style of play we want," says the sporting director. His bet is very clear. "We have prioritized a profile over traditional positions. We have found a balance between personality and characteristics that can make us grow. The eleven new players respond to an athletic profile, with fresh legs, good mentality, and a great desire to grow," he adds. Fiatc Girona plays against iLERNA Lleida (6:30 PM, Esport3).