Tributes pour in for Abos

ZARAGOZA (Liga Endesa/Eurocup) - CAI Zaragoza's players and fans will carry heavy hearts into Wednesday night's Eurocup game at Strasbourg, their first since the passing of their much-loved coach, Jose Luis Abos.

The 53-year-old Abos, who had announced in August that he would not be on the bench this season due to a long-term illness, died on Monday.

Former CAI players Damjan Rudez of Croatia and David Barlow of Australia are among the many to speak about Abos.

"I don't have the words to define the sadness that has hit me," said Rudez.

"I will never forget what Jose Luis has done for me and all that I learned alongside him.

"I am deeply saddened by the news of his loss. He was not only a great coach but a fantastic person."

Barlow said: "He was a good man and a great person who helped me on and off the court in my first years away from my country.

"I want to give strong hugs to his family and his friends in Spain. We have cried today for our friend. Rest in peace, star."

Abos took the reins of CAI in 2009 and led the team to promotion to the Spanish top flight in his first season with a first-place finish in the LEB (second division).

He began his coaching career as an assistant for Zaragoza in the early 1990s and led them last season in the club's first participation in the Eurocup.

"Those that have been close to him lament profoundly the loss of our coach," said CAI point guard Pedro Llompart.

"In such a complicated profession, Jose Luis made it, from day to day, as natural and easy as possible, just like he dealt with his illness to serve as an example for all of us.

"I personally experienced one of the best stages of my life here and I will remember the best times we spent together."

Another to pay tribute was Albert Fontet, a CAI Zaragoza center.

"We weren't expecting this outcome," he said. "I'm very saddened. He trusted me for the ACB and he was somebody that got close to you.

"I think his normality was what made him so special. He would help you in everything.

"He would give you advice and always doing it with closeness, something that the players appreciated."

A minute of silence will be observed before all of this week's Eurocup games and at this weekend's Liga Endesa games.

Abos is to receive posthumously the Gold Insignia, one of the highest honors of the ACB.

FIBA