Perasovic: Baskonia, with no margin due to massive absences

Kosner Baskonia played a resilience match against Valencia Basket, but the arithmetic of the encounter only allowed for defeat. The team from Vitoria arrived at the Roig Arena with just eight players after the absences of Chris Duarte, Kobi Simmons, Tadas Sedekerskis, and Rodions Kurucs, a situation that Velimir Perasovic described as almost impossible to manage from the bench.

Managing injuries in a critical week

The Serbian coach appeared before the media visibly concerned about the accumulation of injuries. In just over seven days since joining the club, he has seen four players drop out of the project. Kurucs, specifically, felt discomfort before the match, and the medical staff decided not to take any risks. Perasovic explained that the player himself communicated his inability to participate, a decision he fully supported: “In this situation, as a player, I do what the medical staff and the player tell me.”

The cascade of absences has generated an anomalous situation in training. Perasovic insisted that “it’s even impossible to train like this,” a phrase that summarizes the frustration of a coach who has barely had time to work with his team under normal conditions. Without the necessary training and with only eight players on the court, the challenge turned into a battle without enough weapons.

Rebounding, a decisive factor at the Roig Arena

Throughout the 40 minutes of play, Valencia Basket clearly dominated the rebounds, with a 20 possession advantage over Baskonia. Perasovic did not hesitate to describe this difference as “outrageous” in a match of this nature. Controlling the rebound is fundamental in basketball, and when a team achieves that superiority, they practically control the rhythm and opportunities of both contenders.

The Vitoria team “played a serious match” and “fought,” as acknowledged by their coach. It was not a passive or surrendering performance, but one of competitiveness within evident limitations. However, the rebounding numbers reflected reality: with fewer bodies on the court and young players still in the development process, the fighting capacity under the baskets was compromised.

Valencia Basket at its best level

Perasovic had words of praise for the opponent. Valencia Basket displayed quality basketball, with aggressive defense and good offensive play. The coach emphasized that the taronja team “is at a very high level” and acknowledged the “spectacular” nature of their current project. He specifically mentioned Roig as a key figure, though he also recalled that there were others who contributed to the institution's growth before him.

On defense, Valencia Basket was “aggressive and played well,” constantly pushing. This generated turnovers for Baskonia that partly stemmed from accumulated fatigue. With only eight players and without quality training, maintaining concentration for 40 minutes against a rival of that level becomes a herculean task.

Experience as a pending subject

Perasovic emphasized the composition of his roster. Baskonia has several young players, some as young as 18, and another three or four at 22 years old. This youth is a long-term virtue, but it also represents an immediate deficiency: “we probably lack experience there as well.” In moments of pressure like at the Roig Arena, that lack of experience becomes evident.

The coach expressed hope that the situation improves soon. He trusts that the four injured players return as soon as possible, and also hopes that the club can bring in some reinforcements to help balance the scales. Without those additions and the return of the injured, Kosner Baskonia will continue to navigate turbulent waters in the Liga Endesa.

The loss by 84-75 does not reflect the quality of the Vitoria team as much as the extreme circumstances in which they had to compete. Perasovic knows this, the fans know this, and likely Valencia Basket does as well. Professional basketball requires continuity, intensive training, and rosters with a certain depth. Baskonia lacks all of that at the moment, a reality that the coach acknowledges but does not dramatize. He only hopes it is temporary.

This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Perasovic: Baskonia, sin margen ante bajas masivas