MURCIA.– The Dominican Sadiel Rojas, former captain and one of the most emblematic players in the history of UCAM Murcia, will experience an unforgettable moment this Tuesday with the official retirement of his number 27 jersey, a recognition of almost a decade of dedication, leadership and commitment to the university club.
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Rojas, who defended the colors of UCAM between 2014 and 2023, assured in the prelude to the match against Real Madrid that it will be “a wonderful day”.The tribute will take place at the Palacio de los Deportes de Murcia, the venue where the former forward played countless memorable matches and where his jersey will be hung as a permanent symbol of the team’s competitive identity. The ceremony will coincide with the match against Real Madrid, a key game for the leadership of the Liga Endesa, with the Murcians in second place (10-2) and the Madrid team leaders (11-1). At 36 years old, Sadiel Antonio Lucciano Rojas, born in Kansas (USA) on July 16, 1989, and an international player for the Dominican Republic, returned to the pavilion this Monday to participate in the press conference prior to the match, where the tribute he will receive was officially presented. Considered a true club legend, Rojas highlighted the pride he feels for this recognition and the constant affection of the fans. “I feel very grateful. It’s a blessing and a great honor to be able to live this moment,” he affirmed. During his speech, he also took the opportunity to send a message to young people who dream of succeeding in basketball.“Murcia and this club are my home. I consider myself part of the UCAM family,” he expressed emotionally.
Although retired from high competition, Rojas closely follows the news of the club he joined in 2014 from Leones de Santo Domingo. He did not hide his satisfaction with the great sporting moment of UCAM Murcia, second in the Endesa League and leader of Group K in the Top 16 of the FIBA Europe Cup.“I never gave up. I always believed in work, discipline, and fighting for every ball. With that mentality you can go far,” he pointed out, recalling that he never faced a match thinking about losing, “not even against Real Madrid.”
The Dominican also dedicated words of remembrance to the deceased former president of the club, José Luis Mendoza, whom he defined as “a fighter, with a great spirit and an indelible legacy.” Rojas was accompanied by coach Sito Alonso and general manager Alejandro Gómez, both key figures in his career in Murcia. Alonso highlighted the impact of the former forward on and off the court:“I feel the successes as if I were still playing. The team is in a great moment and it fills me with pride,” he commented, even allowing himself to joke about his physical preparation for the match.
For his part, Gómez underscored the historical significance of the tribute:“There are brilliant players, but few with whom the fans feel as represented as with Sadiel”.
The retirement of the number 27 jersey will remain as a permanent testimony to the spirit, dedication, and winning mentality of Sadiel Rojas, an eternal reference for players, coaching staff, and fans of UCAM Murcia.“He is the player with the most games and rebounds in the club’s history. He perfectly represented the values of UCAM Murcia. He was a key piece in building our competitive identity.”
