Historically, one of the most recognized attributes of Spanish athletes has been their defensive prowess, a hallmark that remains an essential part of the DNA of some players. In national basketball, few represent that virtue more clearly today than Alberto Díaz, a 1.88-meter tall player from Málaga, 1994.
He will be awarded today at the V Spanish Basketball Gala, organized by the FEB and MARCA, as the best national player for his fundamental contribution to the great season of the Malaga team, leader of the regular League and champion of the BCL (Basketball Champions League).
Diaz was the Unicaja’s second most valued player in the domestic competition, with averages of 5.4 points, 3.1 rebounds, 4 assists, and 1.3 steals in 19:51 minutes on average. In the BCL, he accredited 3.7 points, 1.9 rebounds, and 3.8 assists in just 20 minutes on average.
Your statistics don’t do justice to his priceless contribution both to Unicaja and to the Spanish team, where he is a fixed. It’s a specialist in pressing, stealing balls, and forcing turnovers and attacking fouls on his rivals for his extraordinary capacity for anticipation. A ‘boquerón’ that takes bites with a unique intensity, energy, and dedication.
“Ibón Navarro, his coach in Unicaja, knows them well and praises them whenever he can: ‘Alberto is a player who gives everything on the field, his dedication and commitment are unmatched… He is the heart of the team. His energy and positive attitude are contagious to everyone.'”
Alberto is also a fixture in the Spanish team, where Sergio Scariolo highly values his abilities: “Alberto is a player who always brings intensity and effort. His defense is one of the best I’ve seen, and he’s always willing to sacrifice for the team. He is a key player for us. He is a silent leader. His work ethic and character are an example and inspire his colleagues.”
And although his strong point is undoubtedly his defensive intensity, in attack he is a player who never hides as the Spanish coach highlights: “In decisive moments, Alberto always appears. His ability to handle pressure and make the right decisions is invaluable to us.”