“"I felt very proud to reach the ACB because it meant the culmination of many hours of dedication and effort, and because it is the dream of any child starting out."
The center, originally from Quintinenc, emerged from the youth ranks of SE Casal in the 90s. He reached the peak of his career in the ACB with CB Manresa during the 2005/2006 season, where he played 19 games and defended global figures such as Luis Scola and Felipe Reyes.
His career path included various stages with teams such as CB Olesa, Cornellà, Akasvayu Vic, Barça B, and CB Tarragona. In the latter club, where he played in two different periods, he coincided with Berni Álvarez, the current Sports Minister of the Generalitat de Catalunya, maintaining a good relationship both as a teammate and later under his coaching.
Currently, Riu enjoys playing games with the veterans of SE Casal, despite the physical challenges. With the perspective gained from years of experience and his job as a high school teacher, the Penedès native advises young players never to abandon their studies, a fact of which he is particularly proud.
“"However, what I value most about basketball, beyond the games, the triumphs, or having reached the ACB, is that it has allowed me to make many friends and has made me a participant in a very noble sport."
