The American point guard Trent Forrest, 27, was awarded the MVP of the Copa del Rey after a spectacular performance across three games. Playing for Kosner Baskonia, he was chosen as the tournament’s best player. In the final, he exceeded all expectations with 22 points, 9 rebounds, and 11 assists, earning a valuation of 38. He fell just one rebound short of recording the first triple-double in Copa del Rey history. “This is for all the players and all the fans,” he said upon receiving the trophy. “I’m very proud to be part of this. It’s probably the best night of my life,” he explained on DAZN.
Speaking at a press conference after celebrating with his team in the locker room, Forrest reflected on the achievement: “A big congratulations to the fans. I’m very excited. This is a huge accomplishment. It’s incredible to have played three games in three days.”
On the importance for the club and the city: “This is something we’ve talked about since we arrived in August. We’ve worked incredibly hard since then, kept improving, and this is the result.”
On attacking Real Madrid’s height: “They are a great team. We know Madrid has a lot of size. But we weren’t afraid and we attacked the rim. Tavares loves to be near the basket, but we wanted to move him. That was part of the game plan.”
Asked if this was one of his best games: “It’s a candidate for that, not just because of my performance, but for the whole team. There could have been four or five Baskonia players awarded the MVP.”
On adapting to European basketball: “It’s very difficult because the style of play is different in Europe, and you have to get used to the lifestyle, the language… Since I’ve been with Baskonia, thanks to Paolo, I’ve kept getting better. I thank my dog for keeping me grounded.”
On Howard and Cabarrot: “Sure. When Luwawu left, I was calm because Markus did what he had to do.”
