An institution of Madrid basketball. That is synonymous with José Antonio Sánchez, who has spent years delivering his knowledge and, today, is at the service of Torrejón Basketball Academy. A very interesting story, and rich anecdotes in this sport of the orange ball In this edition of the Interview of the Month, we learn a little more about our Senior National coach, who is battling with his team in the First National VIPS League.

How does the passion for basketball begin in José Antonio?

At 13, 14 years old, we came from La Rioja to live in Móstoles and there at the Móstoles Board of Trustees we began to play, and soon to take the number 1 coaching course that was held there at the El Soto Sports Center in Móstoles.

What was the best team you managed as a coach, and why?

There have been several in these 30 years or more. Perhaps, the most recent EBA team for the 2016-2017 season, where several players have been selected by Spain in their respective categories. With players in ACB, several in LEB Oro, European leagues and many others in LEB Plata. It was a fantastic year where we were EBA League champions in Group B against all the elite academies, including Real Madrid, Estudiantes, Gran Canaria, Tenerife, etc. And just 1 game away from being promoted to the top league.

The challenge of coming to T B S…

Fundamentally because of the friendship with David Sanz for years. And, years what I am in the Eurocolegio Casvi, he is in basketball in Torrejón, where we shared many Championships in France, in Zaragoza (here I was invited by him, with the TBS expedition that had the merit of qualifying for the Spanish Championship), tournaments in Seville (3x3) innumerable playoffs... It has been many years now, and we know each other well and he appreciated that I could help his club and I, after my time in Ávila, still have hope and enthusiasm for him basketball, in industrial quantities (laughs).

Tell us about the importance of Ivan Sánchez this year. What progression and potential do you see in him as a player?

Iván debuted with me when he was only 16 years old in the EBA league at school. He is now 20 years old, he has gained experience in higher leagues than he gave the level. Now I think he is a decisive player and can dominate in Nacional; growth is not always linear and there are ups and downs, it will be what he wants to be if he focuses on studies, family, free time, dedication to basketball, but it is his life. I helped him with everything. He has potential, and he just needs to want to be a real player.

What style of play as a coach does José Antonio Sánchez have?

I had an idea that defense was the most important thing and in a way it is. But, individual technique and knowledge of the game is essential. It is much easier to destroy than to build, I learned the latter from Pepe Laso in the two years I worked with him, but it takes a lot of time, many hours, extra work in the summer or training at dawn. Not everyone wants to, nor can.

Running the court is vital, the game without the ball too, I have copied many things from great coaches such as Ricard Casas, Sito Alonso, or other greats who perhaps do not sound as much as Suso Seoane or Enrique Fernández, etc. Total basketball would be close to perfection and that is very difficult. I keep learning apart from my 53 "sticks" (laughs).

What goals are there in your profession at the moment? Casvi, what does it mean to you?

Where there are players that I can help and guide, and where they allow me and provide me with the means, I will be there. There is always talent, you just have to look for them. In Torrejón there is. Eurocolegio Casvi for me is my home for 32 years. I fulfilled myself as a coach and as a person. We share values, my references have been all the heads of studies that have passed and directors, classmates, professors from different departments, the truth is that you learn from everyone. My nephews study at school, my brother also played. For me it is the best school where one can study and be able to train. Many parents are not millionaires, but the best legacy they can leave their children is a good education.

Who can be the best player you have ever trained/coached and why?

There are many, but perhaps in a human-sports relationship (because I am the godfather of his daughter) it would be Juan José García, now in Pro B in France and with an ACB past. But, also Andrés Miso, Tyson Pérez, Carlos Jiménez, all with past and present ACB.

And, tell us about the one that has surprised you the most, who he became or where he came from.

Well, here perhaps Andrés Miso because he did not enjoy a privileged physique, but what he had was total passion. One night he would make me open the pavilion at 12 o clock at night to shoot free throws. He was playing injured, there was no way with him. Now as a coach, he sometimes finds it difficult to see many young people without that same spirit that he has.

Off the court, family, friends, hobbies? What does José Antonio like to do?

Well, I like more and more to escape to Medrano, in La Rioja, the town of my grandparents and family. The people are the best in Spain and I do not say so, my people who have been say so. The mus now made me a bit fond of padel, but he frequently injured me. I have extra kilos (laughs), although they say I have power. A good tablecloth and a good table in good company is not bad either, and this is where I think I agree with David Sanz; our bodies give us away (laughs). Being with your people as long as possible, I think that is a privilege.

A piece of advice for the young talents that are being formed at T B S:

Well, take advantage of the time to train as much as you can. That they train, also that they study and that they be the best version of themselves. That they respect and be good people, which is essential and I would also say more essential. Thank you very much for this interview.