By Alex Molina / info@eurohoops.net
The first week of the year without EuroLeague was a completely new scenario for Paolo Galbiati and Kosner Baskonia, who are preparing the Liga Endesa game against Barça.
“We played on Saturday, and by Tuesday we were training with only nine players… There’s a lot of time between games,” the Italian coach admitted before revealing that he has spoken at length with Trent Forrest about his future, reportedly linked to Fenerbahce: “We’ve talked a lot.He told me he hasn’t signed anything. He’s here and understands how important it is to finish the season the right way.”
The Baskonia coach is urging his squad to stay focused on the remaining seven ACB games, with some players coming back to the team. “Tadas (Sedekerskis) is improving. I hope next week he can start training a bit with the team,” he explained, noting the Lithuanian has already begun on-court work with contact. Galbiati has a feeling recovery timelines could be shortened, potentially bringing him back before the season ends.
“Khalifa (Diop) has started running,” he adds. “Slowly, but if everything goes well, he could be ready by mid-May for the final two games.” Meanwhile, Markquis Nowell—dealing with an abdominal issue—could miss Sunday’s clash against Barça, though Baskonia welcome the return of Kurucs. “He needs training. He needs to find his best form. He’s not there yet, but he’s very important for us.”
Galbiati is working to prepare his players for an exciting ACB run-in. “We’ve tried to explain—especially to the guys from the U.S.—that while their season would be over in April, ours is very much alive.” Throughout the year, he has stressed how valuable training time is for his team. “It’s hard to believe we can be better than in the Copa del Rey, but I hope so. Whenever we’ve trained well, we’ve played well—but this is a completely different moment. The players need to stay focused on the present.”