MADRID. – Dominican point guard Andrés Feliz assured that Dominican Republic basketball projects a different image today than in previous years, thanks to the consolidation of several players in high-level leagues in Europe.
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Happy offered his statements in the run-up to the quarterfinals of the King’s Cup of Basketball, a tournament that will be held from February 19 to 22 in Valencia and in which his team, Real Madrid Baloncesto, will face Unicaja Baloncesto.
The Dominican point guard, who will play his fourth Cup —two with Joventut and this will be his second with the white team—, highlighted the good moment that Dominican basketball is going through, driven by figures like Chris Duarte and Jean Montero, both also present in the cup tournament.
“Every day we are seeing more players emerge and represent the Dominican Republic at a very high level. I think the level of our basketball is already seen differently compared to years ago, but we must continue working and growing as a country and as a national team,” he expressed.
Total focus on Unicaja
Real Madrid arrives as the leader of the Endesa League with a record of 18-2, but Feliz emphasized that the Cup is a different competition, in which there is no room for error.
“It’s a different tournament. We can’t think beyond the first game. Unicaja is a great rival and we have to take it one step at a time,” said the player, who will meet his compatriot and friend Chris Duarte on the court.
Regarding Duarte, he highlighted his talent and the impact he has had since arriving at the Malaga club. “I am proud to see him here representing our country. He is demonstrating his quality and contributing a lot to his team,” he stated.
Dominican Pride in Europe.
In addition to Feliz and Duarte, the Dominican representation in the Cup includes Jean Montero, a figure for Valencia Basket. For the Madrid-based point guard, the presence of several compatriots in a high-level tournament is a source of national pride.
“When we put on the jersey of our clubs, we are also representing the Dominican Republic. That is something that our country should value,” he stated.
Looking to the future with the selection
Happy also referred to the upcoming commitments of the Dominican selection in the qualifying window towards the 2027 World Cup, where the Caribbean team will seek to continue consolidating its international growth.
“We took a step forward, but we must maintain that momentum. The goal is to keep growing and compete at the highest level,” he pointed out.
Personally, the point guard was satisfied with his adaptation to Real Madrid under the direction of Italian coach Sergio Scariolo, highlighting the trust received from the club and his willingness to contribute both as a point guard and as a shooting guard.
With ambition and a collective focus, Andrés Feliz aims to conquer the first major title of the year and continue to elevate the name of Dominican basketball in the European elite.
Happy offered his statements in the run-up to the quarterfinals of the King’s Cup of Basketball, a tournament that will be held from February 19 to 22 in Valencia and in which his team, Real Madrid Baloncesto, will face Unicaja Baloncesto.
The Dominican point guard, who will play his fourth Cup —two with Joventut and this will be his second with the white team—, highlighted the good moment that Dominican basketball is going through, driven by figures like Chris Duarte and Jean Montero, both also present in the cup tournament.
“Every day we are seeing more players emerge and represent the Dominican Republic at a very high level. I think the level of our basketball is already seen differently compared to years ago, but we must continue working and growing as a country and as a national team,” he expressed.
