Real Estelí prepares for the BCLA

MANAGUA (Nicaragua) - The second edition of the Basketball Champions League Americas is getting closer, and the teams are beginning to fully prepare. That is the case of Real Estelí, the only Nicaraguan representative in the competitions. Coached by the Puerto Rican David Rosario, they are facing the continental appointment in high spirits, after winning the "Liga Superior" (LSB) for the third time.

"Winning the championship for the third time was very important, not only for me, but for all the fans. We did great work throughout the tournament, and luckily, we could celebrate. I'm very happy I was chosen as the final’s MVP, I'm in one of the best moments of my career," claimed one of the team’s most important players, Bartel López.

The "Tren del Norte" (Train of the North), as the club is locally known, wants to continue leaving a mark in the international setting. Its first continental participation was in the "Copa Centroamericana de Clubes" (Central American Clubs Cup) in 2018, which it won, along with the right to participate in the Liga de las Américas 2019. It also played in the first BCLA, making history by reaching the quarter finals against the Argentine team, Instituto de Córdoba.

"International tournaments have greatly improved our individual and collective game. The balance from last season’s BCLA was very positive, we made history and we want to continue growing as a team. We’re very happy to be able to participate once again. We know we need a little more experience, but we’ll take it step by step. We want to be the protagonists and the champions of the Americas," said López.

The Nicaraguan team has a national player base formed by Bartel López, Jensen Campbell and Dalton Cacho, supported by Jeleel Akindele (Nigeria), Jezreel de Jesús (Puerto Rico) and the new signings: J.C. Fuller (USA), Delroy James (Guayana) and Renaldo Balkman (Puerto Rico). On Wednesday, February 3rd, Real Estelí begins against Caballos de Coclé (Panama) on Group A.

FIBA