Luis Casimiro has had a storied career in Spanish basketball, with a coaching trajectory that spans multiple teams and decades. His journey has taken him to various cities, including Don Benito, Lugo, Gandía, Alicante, Salamanca, Gijón, Manresa, Cáceres, Valencia, Valladolid, Fuenlabrada, Students, Unicaja, Seville, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Zaragoza, Patrás, and back to Lugo. With 768 matches in the ACB under his belt, he is one of the most experienced coaches in the league, surpassed only by Aíto García Reneses and Pedro Martínez.
Recently, Casimiro has worked his magic once again, taking the reins of a struggling Breogán River team and turning their season around. After a dismal start with a 2-7 record, the team has gone 6-5 under his guidance, including a recent win over Unicaja. This Sunday, they face off against Barcelona, looking to confirm their resurgence.
When asked about his ability to adapt to new teams and situations, Casimiro credits his passion for the game and his willingness to learn. “If you think you are already in possession of the truth and that what you do is the good thing and it has no greater improvement, it is that you are wrong,” he says. He emphasizes the importance of being a “basketball consumer” and observing games at all levels to extract new ideas and stay up-to-date with the latest trends.
Casimiro’s experience has also given him a unique perspective on the evolution of the game. He notes that the physical and athletic capabilities of modern players have significantly changed the sport, with faster and more agile athletes dominating the court. He also highlights the impact of rule changes, such as the reduction of possession time from 30 seconds to 24 seconds, which has led to a more dynamic and fast-paced game.
Despite his success, Casimiro has not been immune to setbacks. He has been approached by top teams like Real Madrid and the Spanish national team, but ultimately did not land the job. He recounts how he was once told to “have his bags ready” to take over as coach of Real Madrid, only for Javier Imbroda to be appointed instead. Similarly, he was considered as a second option for the national team after Pepu’s departure, but Aíto García Reneses was ultimately chosen.
As he prepares to face Barcelona, Casimiro is cautious but optimistic. He sees the team as irregular, but still a force to be reckoned with. “I see Barça irregular, but it is still Barça,” he says. “We are well knowing where we come from, but the error would be to think that all this work is already done.” He emphasizes the importance of staying focused and continuing to work hard, rather than resting on their recent successes.
With his extensive experience and passion for the game, Luis Casimiro is a coach who continues to inspire and motivate his teams. His ability to adapt and evolve has allowed him to stay relevant in a rapidly changing sport, and his dedication to his craft is a testament to his love for the game. As he looks to the future, Casimiro remains committed to his approach, always seeking to improve and innovate, and never assuming that he has all the answers.
