{
  "id": 9500093,
  "title": "Xavi Pascual era begins as Dubai Basketball look to turn potential into EuroLeague progress",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/24/xavi-pascual-era-begins-as-dubai-basketball-look-to-turn-potential",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-24T05:36:25.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The National UAE",
    "slug": "the-national-uae",
    "url": "https://www.thenationalnews.com/sport/2026/09/24/xavi-pascual-era-begins-as-dubai-basketball-look-to-turn-potential-into-euroleague-progress/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Last week, Dubai Basketball stunned Real Madrid to the point of overtime in the EuroLeague SuperCup semi-final. Now, they prepare to take on the same opponent again on Thursday, aiming to turn this potential into a successful EuroLeague campaign. Dubai Basketball entered the league as newcomers last season and finished 11th, just outside the play-off spots. They also claimed the ABA League title. The team returns with a deeper roster, higher expectations, and under the guidance of Xavi Pascual, one of European basketball's most decorated coaches. Pascual, 54, previously led Barcelona to 19 trophies, including four Spanish league titles and the 2010 EuroLeague. He also won consecutive Greek championships with Panathinaikos and the VTB League title with Zenit St Petersburg. Dubai announced Pascual's appointment as their new coach on July 14, with a deal running through to 2029. His move to Dubai came as a surprise to many, as he had just left Barca a month earlier. Pascual told The National that he sees this as a continuation of the project, with adjustments to take bigger steps in the competition. He inherited a team that has already shown it can compete with the best, but his appointment signals a shift in ambition. Pascual wants to maintain the team's tactical organization and defensive discipline while introducing greater speed in transition and a dynamic playing style. The team boasts depth, with players like McKinley Wright IV, Dwayne Bacon, Mfiondu Kabengele, and Dzanan Musa. They recognize the importance of experience and have brought in veterans who know how to win. The squad is expected to be tested by the demanding schedule of both the EuroLeague and ABA League. Wright highlighted the importance of having multiple players who can contribute in each position.",
  "summary": "Five days after pushing Real Madrid into overtime in Abu Dhabi, Dubai Basketball will face them again on Thursday evening, this time to get their second EuroLeague season officially underway. Dubai entered the EuroLeague last year as newcomers and finished 11th, one place outside the play-in positions. They also competed in the ABA League and ended the campaign as champions. They return to both…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "The National Business",
        "title": "Xavi Pascual era begins as Dubai Basketball look to turn potential into EuroLeague progress",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/24/xavi-pascual-era-begins-as-dubai-basketball-look-to-turn-potential-9500257",
        "published": "2026-09-24T05:36:25.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}