He was the most outstanding player of the double date corresponding to the qualifying window of the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) for the 2025 Copa America, and to a large extent it was because he really wanted to do well in front of his public.

Exclusively for Cubasí, Yoanky Mencía spoke about his present and future with both the national team and his current club, Casademont Zaragoza of the Spanish League.

“Very happy, I really wanted to come, I was a bit anxious because I think it's the time of this generation, and the more players we can add, everything will be much better.

“It's been a long time since I was able to play in front of my family. Winning on the first day gave us that energy to increase our confidence. It was the farewell at the Sports City and the fans, as always, behaved wonderfully, they support us and it's very nice to feel that.”

You are now in Spain, but you are coming from playing in the Argentine League, which served as a springboard for you to raise your level. How do you value that experience?

“I say that it’s my second home, I spent a lot of time there and I learned many things and I developed as a professional player and as a person. The last two seasons were very good, the step I needed to make the jump to Europe and that’s why I’m very grateful to them.”

How do you see yourself now at a much more demanding level?

“Going step by step, first I have to stabilize myself because it’s the second best League in the world and as they say I have just arrived. It’s something very difficult, it’s achieved through work day by day, that’s what I’m doing to be back there next year.”

What difference did you notice between the clubs and the national team?

“We always try to play with speed on the counterattack but many teams do not allow that and you have to play tactically and rotate the ball well. Both the Endesa League and the Argentine League have helped me improve in that aspect and to know that you can't always play the same game.”

You had to take on a leading role due to the absences of Jasiel Rivero, Karel Guzmán and Yoel Cubillas. Didn't you feel pressure?

“I think luck wasn't on our side there, I was missing in February, now they are missing, but we trust that we can take that step forward with the contribution of the youngest, both those who are here and those who are abroad, and you can see that good emotional moment of the team.”

We couldn't win the two games, but we're still alive. How do you see what lies ahead?

“Puerto Rico has always been a tough rival, they have a good League and a good squad, already together for several years, and we have to be mentally strong to see if we can beat them there. They're not going to give anything away, because they're in the same situation as us of wanting to qualify.”

Translated by Amilkal Labañino / CubaSí Translation Staff