While Surne Bilbao Basket secured its qualification for its second consecutive FIBA Europe Cup final against Falco Szombathely last Wednesday, Sito Alonso's UCAM Murcia, the other Liga Endesa representative still in action, was eliminated. The Murcia team failed to overcome a six-point deficit from the first leg against PAOK Salónica, ending their European campaign.
Alonso, who coached the “men in black” between 2014 and 2016, did not hesitate to express his desire for Bilbao Basket to revalidate its European title after his team's exit. The coach stated that it was not a tough day for him, emphasizing the third place achieved in the Liga Endesa.
“"Something tremendous is being built now. People are very happy with what they have and what it means to be from UCAM Murcia, which is much more than anyone can imagine. I wouldn't trade places with PAOK Salónica for anything. And I hope and wish that the Spanish team playing the final, which in this case is Bilbao Basket, wins and is respected more, especially regarding what we experienced in Greece. I hope they are respected much more."
Alonso chose not to elaborate on the incidents experienced in the “volcanic” atmosphere of Salónica, where the announcer at the Palacio de Deportes had to ask local fans to stop provoking the opposing bench. The coach indicated that FIBA should address such situations, and that his team's experience there was “a story” compared to the attitude of their own fans.
He also addressed his controversial interaction with PAOK guard Breein Tyree, whom he referred to as “number five” throughout his press conference. Alonso described Tyree's behavior as a “very high level of disrespect,” suggesting that such actions could lead to significant altercations. The coach highlighted that Tyree's level of education, values, personality, and play was far below that of David DeJulius, and that UCAM Murcia was fortunate to sign DeJulius after Tyree rejected their offer.
