This morning, just a few hours after they were eliminated in the semi-finals of the Copa del Rey against Barcelona, the UCAM Murcia CB team reflected upon the joy and pride of having played a great tournament. José Luis Mendoza, president of the Murcian club as well as the Universidad Católica, met with the players and coaching staff at the hotel where the training camp was held to congratulate them on their superb performance in one of the most prestigious tournaments in European basketball, eliminating Valencia Basket and putting one of the big favourites, Barça, on the ropes in the semi-final. 

After the game, the president stressed his delight at the performance of his players: "We are very happy with the team's commitment and the work they have put in. We had a lot of problems entering this Cup and, nonetheless, they have put in this amazing performance. It was very difficult to beat Valencia and I think UCAM have shown that without a big budget they are a team that can compete against anyone. Money is not everything in life. This team has a fighting spirit, and they gave their all against a powerful Barcelona that is the current leader of the Euroleague".

He has also expressed the general feeling of admiration that UCAM Murcia has awoken in Granada: "The team has shown tremendous human spirit. Many people have told me so. You are the great moral victors of this Copa del Rey". 

Sito Alonso and the fans praised

One of the aspects that José Luis Mendoza praised was the huge presence of Murcian fans in the stands and the strength that they have transmitted to the players: "We have the best basketball fans in Spain". Finally, he wanted to highlight the work and dedication of Sito Alonso, UCAM Murcia's coach, who was affected by Covid and could not work with the team until the day of the debut against Valencia: "I would like Sito to stay with us as long as possible. He is an honest worker and someone with solid values"