Vi fick en pratstund med herrlagets coach Xavi Hernandez.
What are your thoughts on SEH this season?
I think it’s simply different from past seasons. The competitive level has shifted. That said, the appeal of the league remains strong and even seems more compact than before.
What do you think has driven this change?
The recent, still-controversial decision to automatically promote the Top 4 teams to SBL has impacted many teams’ planning, while others have seen it as an opportunity.
Powerful rosters from last season have been depleted as younger, high-quality players have moved up to SBL teams or even taken their talents abroad. Three out of the four teams promoted from BEH have added SBL players, so the gap in competition level isn’t an issue for them.
Meanwhile, other teams have seized this chance to showcase their own talent. It’s no coincidence that Blackeberg and Fryshuset are among the most decorated in various USM categories.
How do you think Blackeberg fits in this season?
From a management perspective, I think the front office was very smart in assessing the competitive landscape and making the move with their own homegrown talent at the right time. Personally, I believe this is the true purpose of SEH: to develop and promote local talent. So, in that sense, it’s a double success.
It’s a fantastic opportunity for these young players—the responsibilities, experiences, and lessons they’re facing each week are critical to their learning curve and development as players. Plus, it’s a win for local fans who feel a strong connection with players from their own community.
Which team do you think is the favorite this season?
It’s still “early,” but we’re starting to see some trends emerge. Alvik has a talented starting five almost drawn from SBL, bringing a lot of experience and taking up most of the playing time. Fryshuset has struck a nice balance between youth and veteran players, with the latter providing leadership in crucial moments. Wetterbygden seems very solid, and Sloga is focused on securing promotion. This is my top four, though I don’t know the exact order, and of course, we can’t overlook Ockelbo and Malbas. Both teams are very strong at home.
What’s certain is that it’s a very tight league—only two wins separates the teams in fifth and thirteenth place.
What is Blackeberg’s goal in SEH this season?
To grow along with the competition. We want to establish our play style, compete in every game, and improve each week. There’s no pressure from the club; we don’t have any superstars, so we stay humble and focus on our collective strength. Each game is a challenge for us. But we’re also an ambitious group and have our own goals. As a coach, I see pressure as something positive—playing under pressure means you’re competing for something meaningful, and it’s the same pressure we practice with every day.
You have the youngest team in the competition—what’s that like?
It can be frustrating at times, but it’s all part of the process. The key is to instill good habits both on and off the court so they can consistently develop their talent. Sharing my experience and knowledge to help shape their careers highlights the true essence of the sport.
How would you define the team’s journey so far TOP-7?
Inconsistent, as you’d expect from any young team. We can’t focus too much on the standings—it doesn’t tell us much in November. We lack the maturity to be consistent. We’re not as good as when we beat Malbas, nor as bad as when we lost last weekend. The key is to find balance through humility, understanding and respect for the game in every moment. It will come along the process—dedication, commitment, and a love for the game will be our measuring stick.
Thanks for your time and insights. We look forward to following the team’s progress! Just one more question! What’s your ideal starting five for the league?
- Nathaniel Nzonyansi
- Mikael Axelsson
- David Niklasson
- Axel Nordström
- Nemanja Kutic