The Spaniard only had one training session with the ALBA players after being promoted to the role of head coach
Pedro Calles got off to perfect start on EuroLeague coaching debut
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Regular Season
Round 29 of 34
Group Regular Season
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How much can you really change a team with just one practice?
As it turns out, for Pedro Calles it was enough to lead ALBA Berlin to a victory in his first game as new head coach and snap a long losing streak.
“I am happy for the guys. What’s most important is the fifth win in the EuroLeague. It’s not my first win, it’s ALBA’s fifth win. I am happy for the guys, for the fans who came to support us. That is a strong part of our culture,” said Calles, who oversaw a 97-90 win over Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz to end a four-month run of defeats at home.
The 41-year-old, leading his team in a EuroLeague game for the first time in his second day on the job, only had one practice session and one shootaround to institute some of his ideas for the team.
“Congratulations to our players for a great collective effort. It wasn’t an easy game to play with just one practice and one shootaround. It was difficult to pick the things you want to touch on. But they did a great job focusing on the point of emphasis,” he noted. “I decided to touch a couple of things on defense. But only a couple of things, no more.”
Calles joined the team about two months ago as an additional assistant coach after being fired from German side EWE Baskets Oldenburg. On Wednesday, he was informed of the decision by the club leaders to fire Israel Gonzalez and hand him the spot as head coach.
Calles immediately had a new sense of responsibility.
“All of a sudden your position changes, your decision-making completely changes with a different role,” he said.
But Calles also admitted he had mixed feelings about replacing his Spanish compatriot, who had coached ALBA since 2021 and served as an assistant since 2017. As head coach, Gonzalez guided the club to two league championships.
“I was only here two months working with Israel, but I knew before coming here how good of a person he is. When I came here, even more,” Calles said.
“I am not gonna lie to you, it’s a dream come true to coach a EuroLeague team like ALBA. Is it the way that I wanted it? No.”
Calles emphasized how important communication is for him.
“We have to be connected. This is almost impossible without communication. I have only been here for two months. I don’t know them as much as I want so I have to use every possession, every situation to communicate and get to know them better in order to help them,” he said.
Matt Thomas scored 21 points as ALBA’s leading scorer in the first game under Calles. For him and the other players, the whole situation was difficult.
“A coaching change is always tough. On a personal level, it’s always hard when people leave the team - players, coaches, anyone from the staff. But it’s part of the business. Now we are ready,” he said.
“Coach Pedro did a great job with only a day to prepare for this game. I feel we were really prepared. We came out and executed the game plan pretty well. But there’s always room to improve and we are just excited to build off this one.”
And have more than just one day with their new head coach.