A Week of Exchange, Learning and Club Insight
The Baskonia Alavés Academy recently hosted a delegation from CUS Parma Basketball, as part of an Erasmus+ program in collaboration with the University of Parma. The visit provided an opportunity for coaches, directors, and staff members to experience firsthand how the Baskonia Alavés Group structures its sporting model across all levels.
Led by Stefano Basso, director of the basketball section at CUS Parma, the group spent a full week immersed in the daily operations of the club.
“This experience allowed us to learn and take back many ideas and situations that we can definitely use in our future within our club.”
Understanding the Full Club Structure
During their stay, the CUS Parma delegation was able to observe the complete structure of the Baskonia Alavés Group, from youth development programs to first team operations.
This included:
- Training sessions across different age groups
- Interaction with coaches and technical staff
- Conversations with players and performance teams
- Exposure to club management and operational structure
In addition to the training environment, the group also visited key club facilities such as the Fernando Buesa Arena and Mendizorrotza Stadium, gaining a broader understanding of the infrastructure that supports both basketball and football operations.
The delegation also attended a Baskonia EuroLeague game, experiencing the competitive environment and atmosphere of elite-level basketball, and took part in a One Team session, the EuroLeague’s social responsibility program, which provided insight into the club’s community-focused initiatives.
“We had the opportunity to truly live and understand everything that happens across the club, from youth teams to the first team and management.”
Exchange of Knowledge and Methodology
A key aspect of the visit was the exchange of ideas between both institutions. Coaches and staff from CUS Parma were able to engage directly with Baskonia and Academy professionals, discussing methodology, training approaches, and development strategies.
“We were able to speak and exchange ideas with different coaches, players, and staff members.”
Particular attention was given to:
- The importance of individual technical development
- The role of coaching in long-term player growth
- The structure of training sessions across different stages
Building Identity Through Development
One of the main takeaways highlighted by the visiting group was the importance of creating a strong and consistent club identity. This identity is built through methodology, daily work, and alignment across all levels of the organization.
“We have seen how important it is to focus on individual technique and coaching development, all while building a strong club identity.”
This approach allows players and staff to operate within a clear framework, supporting both performance and long-term progression.
A Valuable Experience for the Future
The week concluded as a positive and productive experience for the CUS Parma delegation. The insights gained are expected to contribute to the development of their own programs and coaching structure.
“It has been a very important experience for us and for our coaches, and it will definitely help us in the future.”
The Baskonia Alavés Academy continues to welcome international collaborations that promote knowledge exchange, development, and shared growth across different sporting environments.