Albin's Basketball Diary

NBA FINALS 2026
NY Knicks vs. San Antonio Spurs — DAVID vs. GOLIATH?

I’ve said it before: I don’t follow pro or TV sports closely, and I’m definitely not claiming to be an expert. BUT… I keep hearing analysts and NBA experts talk about Victor Wembanyama like he’s the future savior of basketball.

Sure — he’s emotional, young, insanely tall, and moves like a guard.

Still… nothing about him excites me or makes me want to see him beat the underdog NY Knicks and Jalen Brunson.

Maybe I just prefer grit over hype.

NY KNICKS LEAD 1-0.

For the non-basketball folks: the NBA Finals are a best-of-7 series — first team to win 4 games becomes NBA Champions.

1st GAME (Scrimmage)
After a year away from coaching, it felt great to be back and start implementing some of the things I learned in Spain into the way we play here in the USA.

Biggest difference?
PACE.

We ran ALL THE TIME. No slowing down, no catching our breath. It was a wake-up call for everyone — the game has to be played faster, with less dribbling and more movement.

Game format: 6 quarters of 8 minutes with only 7 players available.

Final score: 78–79 loss to Team Now.

Without a single team practice before the game, I have to say I’m really happy with the effort and performance from the group. A lot to build on from here.

WASHINGTON DC 🇺🇸
I spent my “27th” birthday in Washington DC yesterday. One of my favorite cities.

It’s a big city with a small-town feeling. I parked the car right next to the White House, and you can just walk around the monuments and museums — it almost feels like walking through a giant park.

And honestly, even when I visited DC for the first time in 2009 as a tourist from Sweden, I could feel the American pride and patriotism this city instills. That kind of national pride deserves respect! 🇺🇸

GOOGLE YOURSELF 👀
From time to time, I like to Google myself just to see what random or crazy things might pop up.

This time I found a full article about me — which honestly could’ve been super cool… if they hadn’t gotten a couple of facts completely wrong 😂

This is how it looks like when someone tries to write an article and rely on public internet sources (social media) without fact checking.

NC Father and Coach Albin Demukaj Stays by Son Eldi’s Side After 11-Year Basketball Journey Is Threatened By an Injury Eldi Demukaj, who currently plays for the Lucentum Alicante U17 team in Spain’s prestigious EYBL U17, was recently hospitalized after breaking his tibia during a game.

PHYSICAL THERAPY 💪
Today marks a new beginning. Eldi started his physical therapy and did pretty well on the strength and mobility tests. We still have a long road ahead of us, but this is a great first step.

The PT believes he could be back playing in about 6 months (November 2026), but I’m still stubborn and telling Eldi we’ll wait a full year (February 2027) before he returns to games. No rush!

This journey is not sprint, but it’s marathon. One step at a time, done the right way. 🙏

VOLLEYBALL
I’m the kind of sports fan who only watches when someone I know is playing — and only if they’re truly giving it their all.

Watching Orfea play basketball over the years was tough because her heart never seemed fully in it. But volleyball is completely different. You can see how much she loves it, and that makes me happy.

“You’ve got to find yourself first. Everything else will follow.” — Charles de Lint

THE MOST DEPRESSING PLACE I DIDN’T EXPECT

It’s no secret that funerals and hospitals can feel depressing… but another place I’ve realized carries a heavy energy is the courthouse.

I had to go recently for a minor tenant issue, but seeing people there dealing with much bigger problems was honestly sad.

At funerals, there can still be peace or relief for someone who suffered.
At hospitals, there’s at least hope.

But in a courthouse, it often feels like damage has already been done. No verdict can fully undo the pain, stress, or broken relationships.

One thing that stood out to me was the people outside offering Bible studies and talking with visitors. I’m not religious, but I respect any effort that helps people get back on track or find some kind of direction.

What’s a place that feels depressing to you?

IT WAS NEVER ABOUT THE AGE
…since I got back? Not a single beer…
(it’s going to surprise at least my dear friend Amit)

2 years ago, I took a group of American players and parents to Sweden for a 10-day adventure.

While showing them around my hometown, I pointed out a few spots from my younger days—places where we used to hang out all the time. One of the parents joked:

“Coach Albin, did you party all the time?”

I laughed and said, “What else was there to do in your 20s? Welcome to Europe!” 🕺🏻🍺 🎶 🎉

But after coming back from Spain recently, I realized something…

It was never really about the age.

Because Coach Albin can still enjoy life in his late 40s 😄

Different environment. Different rhythm. Different lifestyle.