Ben-Hur’s mentality to reach the EuroCup semifinals: an incredible week run by MoraBanc Andorra / News - Basketnews.com

Credit: Martin Imatge Credit Martin Imatge

Oscar Quintana is the third MoraBanc Andorra head coach this season. The Spanish veteran mastermind replaced David Eudal a week ago, who took over the team a few months before after Ibon Navarro’s dismissal.

3-pointers this season

37%9,3Points made:9,3Accuracy:37,1%Place in standings:9Record max:14Record min:4Most made 3FGs:Clevin HannahTeamEuroCupStatisticsSchedule

Quintana was working at a major Spanish broadcaster Movistar back then, analyzing the games as a commentator for the local audience.

He received a call from his former player Francesc Solana, who is now Andorra’s General Manager. Despite the huge challenge, he did not hesitate to accept the offer.

With just once practice with his current team, Quintana debuted with an impressive victory in the EuroCup eightfinals round against Buducnost VOLI Podgorica last week.

A few days later, Morabanc managed to erase a six-point deficit in the last minute of a thrilling game to beat San Pablo Burgos by two on Sunday.

Again, in the Eurocup quarterfinals, MoraBanc defeated fellow Spanish counterparts Gran Canaria on the road with a stunning comeback to reach the semifinals.

"Our focus is on the ACB League. I know what I am going to say is not pleasant for the fans, but the EuroCup is like a practice for us," Quintana admitted before the game against the Canarian team.

Their players got the message, playing hard with a great mentality to pull off the series. They are now in the semifinals. Andorra will face Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana or Frutti Extra Bursaspor in the next round.

In the locker room, Quintana made an emotional speech including a Ben-Hur film reference to his team.

"We are always rowing. We looked like Ben-Hur and his colleagues. All day Ben-Hur rowing the fucking galley," Quintana said in a video shared by the club.

MoraBanc Andorra are currently at the bottom of the standings in the Spanish ACB League and just one game away from the EuroCup final. In other words, they need two more wins to clinch a spot in the next year's Euroleague.

Would it be possible to see a team playing the Euroleague while they are in the Second Division? This is a feasible possibility right now, since the minimum budget to play in the Euroleague next season has increased up to 7.2 million euros.

The Andorran club is still dreaming in Europe while rowing against the odds in the ACB League. The main goal is clear though - avoiding the relegation to the LEB Gold.

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