Baskonia dismisses Galbiati and brings back Perasovic

Kosner Baskonia has officially announced the departure of Paolo Galbiati from the blue and burgundy bench. The decision comes after a season and a few weeks of competition in the 2026/27 campaign, in a context of significant changes for the Vitoria club, which on the same day also announced the departure of player Markus Howard.

The farewell to Paolo Galbiati after 87 matches

The Italian coach, who joined Baskonia in August 2025, has managed the blue and burgundy team in a total of 87 matches across competitions. Specifically, he accumulated 43 games in EuroLeague, 40 in Liga Endesa, and 4 between Supercopa and Copa del Rey. During his tenure, he won the Copa del Rey last February, a title that marks his legacy at the Vitoria club.

The official statement from the Baskonia club expressed its gratitude to Galbiati for the work carried out during his time at the helm of the team, wishing him success both professionally and personally. The decision to terminate the contract was communicated directly, closing a chapter that began a little over a year ago.

Velimir Perasovic returns to Vitoria-Gasteiz

Minutes after the announcement of Galbiati’s departure, Kosner Baskonia revealed the appointment of Velimir Perasovic as the new coach. The Croatian coach, born in Split in 1965, has signed an agreement linking him to the club until 2028, meaning for the next two seasons. Perasovic is no stranger to the blue and burgundy fanbase, as he returns to Vitoria-Gasteiz with extensive prior experience on the Vitoria bench.

The Croatian coach will arrive in the Alava capital tomorrow, Thursday, and will start working with the group immediately. His first match at the helm will be on Friday when Baskonia faces Virtus Bologna in a EuroLeague matchup.

A consolidated career in European basketball

Perasovic has extensive experience coaching in major European competitions. Last season, he managed UNICS Kazan, building a solid career both in EuroLeague and Liga Endesa. With 253 games in charge of the blue and burgundy bench, Velimir is the second coach with the most matches in Baskonia's history, emphasizing his historical connection to the Vitoria project.

During his previous tenures at the helm of Baskonia, Perasovic lifted a Copa del Rey and a Supercopa, solidifying his winning legacy at the club. Additionally, he led the Vitoria team to its last Final Four in 2016, an achievement that reflects his ability to compete at the highest European level. This will be his fourth term at the helm of the Gasteiz team, demonstrating the club's trust in his experience and knowledge of the project.

A change of course during a transitional moment

The departure of Galbiati and the arrival of Perasovic represent a significant change in the structure of the Vitoria team. On the same day this coaching decision is announced, Baskonia also communicates the exit of player Markus Howard, indicating a broader reconfiguration process within the roster.

The club is betting on Perasovic's experience and prior knowledge to manage this transition. The Croatian coach takes over a team that continues to compete on two fronts: Liga Endesa and EuroLeague. His immediate arrival and debut on Friday against Virtus Bologna demonstrate the club’s urgency to stabilize the situation and continue the project with a well-known figure in European basketball.

With Velimir Perasovic back in charge, Kosner Baskonia seeks to capitalize on the experience of a coach who knows the structure, objectives, and philosophy of the Vitoria club deeply. His ability to win titles and lead the team into elite competitions like the EuroLeague Final Four positions the club to face the remaining challenges of the season with renewed hopes.

This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Baskonia destituye a Galbiati y regresa Perasovic