Plaza: MoraBanc on an upward trajectory but must tighten defence

Joan Plaza says MoraBanc is on an upward trajectory and looks more recognisable than at the start of the season. The team returns to training today despite the ACB break until the 7th, and the first FIBA window—which also coincides with the first third of the competition—is a good moment to take stock.

"The team has an upward line, the team is more recognisable and is able to find itself offensively," the tricolor coach said, noting that they conceded 83 points today compared with the ACB average of 84, and that in these four games they have held opponents below that mark.

Despite those positives after a poor start, Plaza stressed it is not enough: "when you stop a little, they already put ten or 12 points on you, and we must keep working on this line." He put particular emphasis on defence, using a park practice analogy: when players go to the park to shoot with friends, they tend to take long threes rather than defend, because defence is not yet internalised. "Little by little you inoculate this habit, and in that sense I am happy."

The coach said he was pleased the team no longer abandons games or gives the impression—seen in the first two matches—of quickly raising the white flag.

Asked where he will focus during the next two weeks while short of internationals, Plaza pointed to ball security: in the first games they had a record number of turnovers and now lose the ball far less. "We are doing little things along that line, and with the players who remain we must keep working in that direction."