Miret explains Ndiaye's departure and warns about hasty signings

The Asisa Joventut faces a delicate situation at the start of the season. Injuries, physical setbacks, and an increasingly limited rotation are affecting the performance of a team that still cannot find the necessary continuity to develop its game. After the defeat in Tenerife, Dani Miret delivered an extensive and forceful speech in which he explained the difficulties the Penya is facing, defended the commitment of his players, and called for calm from a fan base that sees the results becoming more complicated. Despite everything, the coach remains steadfast in the goals of qualifying for the Copa del Rey and finishing as the leader of their group in the Basketball Champions League.

Eli Ndiaye: commitment until the end

The upcoming departure of Eli Ndiaye to Real Madrid has generated uncertainty among the fans. However, Miret was clear in explaining that the player is "fully committed" to the Penya and that the situation has been "positive for both parties." The coach emphasized that Ndiaye has "a great desire to help us in this last game" before returning to the capital, where he will complete his loan after the next Liga Endesa match.

Miret recalled that at the time they made "a good deal" by bringing in Ndiaye, which allowed them to strengthen the team when in the Catalan League they still did not have all available players. The inclusion of the 22-year-old coincided with the recovery of Yannick Kraag, at which point the team "reached its best level" thanks to having a "deep rotation." The coach stressed that it is important for everyone to continue to instill confidence in the player, especially in such a complicated context as the current one.

Urgent need for reinforcements without rushing

The coach acknowledged outright that the team is "at the limit" and needs reinforcements. However, he warned of the risks of signing "in desperation." Miret explained that they have not identified any player who fits economically and can temporarily solve the situation. The priority is to find someone who is "more than just a quick fix" and truly improves the team structure.

The situation of Ludde Hakanson exemplifies the difficulties faced by the club. Miret admitted he was wrong to be optimistic about his recovery: initially, he estimated he would be out for two weeks, but ultimately they won't be able to count on him until December. This reality reinforces the coach's belief that they cannot make the mistake of bringing in a player who is not "the right person" or who does not fit what they need.

Miret insisted that "a season does not necessarily get complicated by going through a difficult moment like the current one," but rather "it can truly derail when you start making desperate signings and making wrong decisions." Despite the clear evidence that they need to bring someone in, the coach emphasized the importance of staying calm and waiting for the right candidate, even if it means waiting two weeks longer than ideal.

The profile sought in the market

According to Miret, they are looking for a player that allows them to "begin to work with a more stable structure, define the core of the team, and regain our identity." The coach recalled that when they have managed to gather players who want to play for Joventut, have the right profile, and fit into their way of working, they have ended up improving both results and performance.

Currently, they do not have anyone close to joining, although they are "very attentive to all the possibilities the market offers." Miret was honest in stating that "I don't want to mislead anyone" about the real short-term signing possibilities, but they remain hopeful of improving the situation at the right moment.

Jabari Parker ruled out as a real option

Miret was categorical in ruling out Jabari Parker as a real option at this time. The coach recalled that last season they demonstrated "that we know how to be patient" while waiting to resolve the situation of the American player, even reaching the Copa del Rey without an American on the roster.

On that occasion, although they also had an urgent need, they decided to wait for the right candidate. In the end, they brought in a player who "made them better," a philosophy they want to maintain now. Miret emphasized that if the moment to sign arrives in two weeks instead of one, "we will have to wait those two weeks." Patience is key in a market where the desired profiles are not always available.

However, Miret was emphatic: "It is evident that, at the very least, we will have to bring in a player." The hope lies in recovering Ante Tomic in good condition, which would provide a "very good" team according to the coach. That recovery, combined with a strategic signing, could change the course of the season.

Protecting the team leaders

Miret expressed his greatest concern: that a player like Nico Laprovittola or Ricky Rubio ends up getting injured because they are being "overexerted." The situation has complicated with the absences of players who were in good shape, like Ludde Hakanson, Álex Reyes, Yannick Kraag, and Boogie Ellis.

The coach was clear in stating that "we are stretching the rope too much." These players are meant to play around 20 minutes, not to play 30 minutes every day. However, the lack of available players forces them to take on a physical and competitive load higher than initially planned. Miret highlighted that they have "very clear warning signs" with other players, which reinforces the need to make "appropriate decisions" so that the team can return to normalcy.

The management of the rotation has become a priority. Miret insisted that "we need health on our side" and that it is crucial to protect the leaders of the team. Only then can they maintain their goals of qualifying for the Copa del Rey and competing in the Basketball Champions League, where they aim to finish as the leader of their group.

This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Miret explica la salida de Ndiaye y advierte sobre fichajes precipitados