A unique couple to seek a dreamed legacy
The duo Ricky Rubio and Nico Laprovittola debuts with a defeat, but triggers 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 began competing with Ricky Rubio and Nico Laprovittola, a duo that has sparked the optimism of a green-and-black fanbase eager for 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 think he is a player who has given a lot to this club at a very delicate moment and who is held in high regard. As a teammate, now we can coordinate much more, at a stage of our careers in which it can be key that we help each other," says 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's 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 move 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 El 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 because we have the budget we have," explains Rubio. The Catalan point guard acknowledges that the team does not arrive with the desired preparation for the first official tournament of the season, although he has rejected that this circumstance could serve as an excuse.
"When I finished last season, I ended up physically and mentally at the limit. When you finish that way, it means you've given everything. I needed a couple of weeks, but then 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 (9pm, 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. In addition, Fiatc Girona plays against iLERNA Lleida (6:30pm, Esport3).
