Ibon Navarro: We’ll look after Xavier Castaneda until the end

Navarro on Castaneda’s role

Unicaja coach Ibon Navarro made it clear the club will support Xavier Castaneda through the season. Navarro says Castaneda is most effective running the team as a point guard, where both player and staff feel comfortable. Playing him at the two-guard has been tougher—for Xavier personally and for the lineup—so the coaching staff has been trying to manage his minutes and role to get the best out of him.

Navarro explained the decisions have been practical rather than personal. When Kendrick Perry and Alberto Díaz were contributing the way the team needed, Castaneda was given time in the position where he feels most confident. The idea was to let him build positive feelings and rhythm without forcing him into a role that stretches him too thin.

He also praised Castaneda’s work ethic—Arriving early, training hard—and said the club won’t hesitate to protect him, but they won’t ignore the team’s needs either. Adjustments to lineups and minutes are being made as other players shift roles, and the staff will keep exploring whether Castaneda can be used more at the two when the situation allows.

Team situation and outlook

Navarro pointed out that the squad has its challenges and the coaching staff is focused on fixing them. Rotation changes—including players alternating between positions and new rotations—are part of that process, and the goal is to find combinations that help the whole team perform better.

On the competitive front, Unicaja sit comfortably in the top half of the Liga Endesa standings and have continued their recent success in the Basketball Champions League, where they opened their group stage with a perfect start. The club’s approach is to protect and develop players like Castaneda while keeping the team’s objectives in mind for the rest of the season.