Anticipation building for Lopez and Lointek Gernika Bizkaia

GERNIKA (EuroCup Women) – History will be made next month as Lointek Gernika Bizakaia take their first EuroCup Women footsteps and Mario Lopez is bracing himself for the rigors of competing on two fronts.

Gernika will rely heavily on the know-how of their prize asset Aishah Sutherland to guide them through their new adventure, with the player having starred in the tournament last season with TTT Riga.

However, even with the presence of Sutherland, Coach Lopez is shrewd enough to understand there's going to be a fundamental change to the way that the ambitious Spanish side operates when they eventually dip their toes in these new waters.

Having risen to prominence in Liga Femenina during the past couple of years, this next step is a big one for the club, who are located close to the northern city of Bilbao.

"EuroCup Women will greatly alter our daily work," warned Lopez, who has been guiding his team through pre-season in the past week or so.

"The content of practises will be directed to having less hours, being less intensive and the freshness in the heads of my players is something that we will have to take care of and that does worry me."

The big positive is that the supporters will be on hand to help their team battle through the demands of their maiden campaign. When in need of energy and a spark, Lopez is adamant the locals can lift his team during the difficult moments.

He said: "I hope they can fill the arena and that they continue living the day-to-day of this club - we want to continue feeling the warmth of the fans both on and off the court.

"They can forget the past campaigns of six consecutive seasons of improving results and now support us in the good and bad times of this season – I hope those who come to the EuroCup Women games will enjoy watching us play," he added.

As for Sutherland, Lopez believes the club has a difference-maker and someone that can inspire their debut campaign in EuroCup Women.

"On offense she is quick in transition and has a good game in one against one situations - both in the low post and facing up. With a good shot up from up to five metres, she is a player who, if motivated and in a good team atmosphere, can be very decisive."

Lopez has had a busy summer, since he was also at the helm of Spain for the FIBA U16 Women's European Championship in Bourges, when the former champions were dethroned.

Strong favorites to land back-to-back titles, they only lost once, but it was in the do-or-die Quarter-Finals. It was a painful result which denied them silverware and also led to a rare podium absence.

"We did not achieve our two goals; one of which was to achieve a medal," bemoaned Lopez.

"It was a pity as we played 12 matches in preparation and at the Championship itself and we lost one match and by just one point. But, this is sport and it is about the results."

Lopez and his team did at least meet their second goal which was making amends by successfully booking a trip to the FIBA U17 Women’s Basketball World Cup 2018 in Minsk.

Lointek Gernika Bizkaia will compete in EuroCup Women Group G against Basket Landes, VBW CEKK Cegled and fellow Spanish side, Spar Citylift Girona.

FIBA