By Javier Molero/ jmolero@eurohoops.net
Álvaro Cárdenas has burst onto the Spanish basketball scene in spectacular fashion. The former Boise State and San Jose State player capped off his first season in the elite of European basketball with outstanding results.
Signed by Valencia Basket and loaned to Peristeri in his first year, Cárdenas arrived just in time to help the Taronjas lift the ACB title against Barça. Following that, he received another call-up to the National Team under coach Chus Mateo, where he already seems to be a regular starter in key games leading up to the upcoming competitions.
Cárdenas spoke with Eurohoops days before the game against Denmark in Madrid (July 2nd), a vital match to continue racking up wins and start the second phase on the right foot. The point guard discussed his season, the National Team, and what he hopes for in the future.
A roller coaster season
“I’m very proud to participate in the FIBA World Cup Qualifiers again, very happy to be here and help us achieve our goal of reaching the World Cup,” Cárdenas told Eurohoops. “I’m very grateful to Chus (Mateo) and the staff for this opportunity, and I’m going to try to make the most of it,” the Andalusian point guard continued.
“My season has been crazy, to be honest,” the Valencia Basket guard began, reflecting on his year. “I think we made a great decision about where to go this year when we decided to go on loan from Valencia,” he explained to Eurohoops.
“We wanted to choose a destination where we could play a lot of minutes, because that’s the best way to improve, where I had a coach who trusted me and let me play even when I made mistakes,” Cárdenas added. “On top of that, we played in two competitions with the Greek league and the FIBA Europe Cup, and I think it was the best decision,” he commented.
“Returning to European basketball has been a challenge, but I think I’ve adapted quite well. I’ve had unique experiences, and it’s helped me get to Valencia and be able to lend a hand,” he told Eurohoops.
He wants to be important in Valencia
“My arrival in Valencia was a bit unexpected, because I thought I was just going to help out with training, but in the end, due to certain circumstances, I ended up playing and being important,” he commented about his role in winning the domestic title.
“Winning the league has been an incredible feeling, a dream I’ve had since I was little, and I’ve felt very happy and proud. It’s a success that deserves to be celebrated,” Cárdenas added. “I think I can be a valuable asset for Valencia in the future. Next year, I’ll be with them from the very beginning and eager to help the club and maintain this positive momentum,” the point guard continued.
It’s important to keep in mind the team’s rebuilding process after reaching the EuroLeague Final Four, with several stars leaving and the coach departing for next season.
The World Cup is on the horizon
All of this with the 2027 World Cup in Qatar on the horizon. With the national team clearly undergoing a transition, Álvaro Cárdenas has been a regular in recent call-ups. Does he see himself at the major intercontinental tournament?
“Spain is producing some fantastic players, but we also have great players already established, even in the NBA, like Santi Aldama, who are veterans who are incredibly important,” Cárdenas explained. “We also have young players coming through who are making a strong impact both in the NCAA and in other leagues. It won’t be easy to be at the World Cup; I’m trying to focus on the present, try to improve every day, and it would be a dream to be there in 2027,” he told Eurohoops.
“The decision will obviously be Chus’s, but I’m going to do everything possible next season to earn my place, and hopefully it can happen in the future,” he concluded.
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