Eric Vila heading for Texas A&M in the NCAA

Eric Vila heading for Texas A&M in the NCAA

The MVP of the Junior Euroleague tells Barça TV about his reasons for leaving FC Barcelona Lassa to start a new adventure in the United States

Eric Vila, one of the most promising young players at FC Barcelona Lassa is leaving the club the Texas A&M University in the NCAA.

The power forward was named MVP of the Junior Euroleague last season when, under coach Alfred Julbe, the Catalans took the title by beating Red Star Belgrade 90-82 at the final in Berlin on May 15. He also became the first team’s youngest ever debutant on 14 September 2014 against CAI Zaragoza.

“That was one of those moments I’ll never forget” he told the Hora B show on Barça TV. “It was incredible to make my debut, and more so at the Palau.”

Vila went on to comment that “it is a huge honour to be able to say that I’m the youngest player to make their debut for the first team at just 16 years of age. I thank the club and Xavi Pascual for giving me a chance that I shall cherish forever.”

He adds that the academic aspect was the ultimate factor behind his decision to go to the United States. “I felt this was the best option to continue growing, both as a player and academically” he says, before explaining that he will be splitting his time between the basketball court and his preparations for a career in marketing.

He also visited the campus of his future team, and after watching the team in action has observed that “they play similar basketball to what we have in Europe. The facilities are excellent and the team is one of the top 25 in the country.”

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