In the heart of Villa Biarritz is the latest LUB champion. Diego Cal will debut as Biguá’s head coach after his resounding passage through Capitol. On the preview of the upcoming tournament, he spoke with Básquet Total.
Did you imagine at the beginning of your career that at 30 years of age you were already going to take a leap of this magnitude?
The reality is that no. I always dedicated myself fully to each year and each moment in my career. Over the years, I set goals to lead bigger categories and start competing rather than training players. Today I am in a privileged place trying to take advantage of it on a day-to-day basis.
Because of your age and as a head coach for several years, do you feel like a “weirdo” in basketball?
It was something that made it difficult for me since I started in my career. Not having a name yet, not having an age that many were used to, or the appearance of someone older. Many times it is like a first filter on issues of authority and respect with the schools. I have had to make a double effort to know and internalize myself to really do the task well. But then this does not stop being a collective sport nor do we stop belonging to a team. Each one doing the homework of their obligations but also enjoying the day to day, which is what makes us happy.
What can Diego Cal bring to Biguá?
Before arriving he had studied the team in certain aspects. This group has a lot of what I like in basketball and the characteristics of the players benefit that. The main thing I can do is not invent things but continue with some simple aspects that were already permeated in the campus. I think we can add the counterattack part to him and add to him having shorter offenses. Last season this was a team that used between 16 and 24 seconds to define possessions. I think we can take eight seconds and add that to the team when and when it is convenient.
How do you value the team’s preparation time?
We are super happy. We still don’t have all the elements of the squad to roll perfectly but little by little we are putting it together and I think it was a good time for us to be able to analyze the material of each player, convince them of our idea and make adjustments.
How much does the loss of Victor Rudd affect the start of the championship?
I think Victor could not capture all his quality in the last championship. Between injuries and lack of regularity in his participation, he ended up being more intermittent. Now he’s going to come up with that shoot he needs and get him to understand the idea to empower the team as much as possible. Obviously when he arrives he will give us a lot and his lack will affect us in the beginning but we will be preparing other elements of the team that have a lot of potential to hide it.
What kind of gamer is João Vitor França?
He is a player with a lot of size. It really is 2.15 tall. For its size it has a striking flexibility and a speed that can help us with what we need. He is 22 years old, he is doing his first experience outside the country so we are trying to accompany him and give him all the possible tools so that he can do a good job. Intimidate in the paint, take rebounds, blocks and falls, reach the center of the court and the good curtains it generates. It can give us many things and is ideal for what we need.
Was the continuity of Donald Sims the best signing of Biguá?
He arrived last week and immediately started training with us. It is a luxury to have that type of player in our country and a privilege to share a team with him. In addition to being a great professional, you can see that he is a great person who contributes a lot to the whole. We already spoke with Pepo, Rudd and him to be the leaders of the team.
Do you feel a responsibility for having assumed the last champion?
I feel the responsibility but I take it as an opportunity to be in a great team, of great players and to get the best out of each one of them for the collective. It is a great opportunity to measure up, provide solutions and get the best possible team.
What does the return of the public to the courts bring?
Undoubtedly it changes and it is an attraction. It gives it an extra seasoning, it is very good that the public can return to the courts and watch each game. The fans are part of this sport and affects the emotional both for and against. I am very happy for the return to enjoy basketball.
Is Biguá the candidate to beat?
Those guesses are for journalists and those who comment and imagine. Many times at the start an analysis is made by names and since it is a very long championship from here to the decisive stage, many things can happen. Now venturing into that is too early and I do not know if all the elements are there to analyze them. First of all, because of the quality of the players we have, it puts us in a place of trying to repeat the triumph of the last tournament. But I also believe that there are several teams that must be respected and when the time comes they can be strong.
What teams are they?
Without a doubt, Aguada made a very important investment and wants to secure the tournament this time. Then there are also structures that have been working well for years like Nacional and Olimpia. There are also high-quality coaches who return like Signorelli in Trouville or Pablo López in Peñarol. Defensor Sporting made a great effort, Urunday has been growing for many years. No one can be underestimated.
Do you agree with the dispute format?
It benefits work and team development. Being on two wheels and on the teams’ courts makes it a fairer tournament. Being long gives the option of further development and opportunity for the team. Not having to get the quick result in a limited tournament benefits the show.
What role are the U23s going to play in Biguá?
Our idea is that in the game mode there is a high intensity and verticality. That is going to lead to naturally needing an extension of the campus. We want to make that virtue of our team weigh and generate an active participation that will depend on them, earning the minutes.
What is it going to mean to face Capitol?
It’s going to be strange to face it. I did the best job I could and also became very fond of the people at the club. It will be a healthy competition when it comes to facing us.