By Rafal Juc

Only 19-years old, but extremely talented Alex Abrines (’93) caused one of the loudest transfer in this summer’s offseason in ACB as he left Unicaja Malaga to sign four-year deal with FC Barcelona Regal. Explosive Spaniard is currently preparing to upcoming season and has already made debut in new team.

6-7 small forward was undeniably the biggest discovery of European Championship U18 in 2011 in Wroclaw, where he led Spanish national team to title, earning MVP award. Then he started season 2011/12 in Unicaja’s farm team Clinicas Rincon and was scoring 13.4 points in second Spanish division Addeco Oro. His talent exploded later as he not only did make debut in Euroleage, but got important place in Unicaja’s rotation, scoring his career-high 31 points against Asefa Estudiantes. He also won bronze medal at European Championship U20 earlier this year, hitting game-winning three pointer to make Spain beat Serbia 67:66.

“To be honest I feel great during my first days with new team. All players are helping me to adapt well, as many of them are youngsters too. It helps a lot that at this moment our team counts 18 players, including best of Barcelona B. We get along well and forming great team, able to do great things. I of course give a little of respect to all players, but it is opportunity you can get only once or twice in your life, so you have to climb up. I will do everything to make me important piece of team” - says Abrines in interview to mundodeportivo.com.

Compared to Rudy Fernandez, but only 19-year old prospect since the beginning of preseason is member of Xavi Pascal's team and has already made debut in Barcelona's uniform in closed to the public scrimmage game with Assignia Manresa. He is getting regularly chances in all preparing games and is expected to be in final roster for ACB season 2012/13. 

 “My goal is to play enough minutes this season individually, while as a team simply win it all, because we have to aim to our best. Personally I am really happy to be compared to Rudy Fernandez. We are both from Mallorca and our physique as well as play style are similar. He is great player and it is truth I like him a lot” - adds 19-year old prospect.

Twitter of the author: @rafjuc

Photo: fcbarcelona.com