Debut in 14 points for Barea in the Spanish League ACB

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Puerto Rican goalkeeper José Juan Barea had a 14-point debut in the Spanish Endesa League (ACB) in Estudiantes Movistar’s 79-73 loss to Casademont Zaragoza.

It was the 36-year-old’s first game since he last played in the NBA with the Dallas Mavericks in the Walt Disney Word “bubble” in Orlando, Florida, in August last year. The Puerto Rican was released in December last year after 14 seasons in the league, 11 with the Mavericks.

In the Spanish game, Bara started as a starter and played for 24:09 minutes, adding three assists and a recovery. He made five baskets in 17 attempts. Two of these were triples. He took his two chances on free throws. Ten of his 14 goals were in the first half.

José Juan Barea handles the ball against Zaragoza.
José Juan Barea handles the ball against Zaragoza. (EFE Agency)

It was the first match for Estudiantes in 36 days due to postponements of several games due to a COVID-19 outbreak in the quintet. Some members are still in quarantine.

“For me, an interesting first game. I learned a lot today. I hadn’t played basketball in a long time and I felt a little weird mentally. But I am very happy with my team, the boys and the leaders “, Barea expressed at a press conference.

“We are in a difficult situation, without too much time to play. Many players came from COVID, but they are very happy to be here. I know we will improve and we want to play better. We will work on that, “he added.

Manager Javier Zamora agreed with the words of his new student and regretted that he joined the team amid the complications of the whole disease.

“She is OK. He has mixed feelings because he brought us that freshness, that clean head, because very few players were protected from it (outbreak), coinciding with his arrival. It gives us charisma, competitiveness and leadership. When I find the rhythm and take the sensations, it can help us a lot “, express.

Aleksa Avramović was the top scorer for Estudiantes with 20 points upside down. American Dylan Ennis led Zaragoza with 22 units.

Students now play for 5-12, number 16 in the ranking of 19 quintets. Zaragoza in box number 12. The next match is on Sunday against Real Madrid, the leaders of the competition (19-1).

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