Valencia Basket makes a victorious debut against Zaragoza

The Valencia Basket began its journey under the direction of Xavi Albert with a victory that allows for promising conclusions regarding the season. The test against Casademont Zaragoza, held in Benicarló, showcased a taronja team with offensive rhythm and competitive ability, albeit with the logical ups and downs typical of a first match with little collective experience. The final score of 88-81 reflected the difference in roster at decisive moments, when Valencia was able to find solutions and close the game.

A Start of Acceleration

The first basket of the new project was scored by Nate Reuvers, a veteran of the team who was part of the starting five alongside TJ Shorts, Kam Taylor, Gonzalo Corbalán, and Dylan Osetkowski. From the very first moment, the pace was intense in both directions. Both teams displayed offensive effectiveness, and the coaches made quick rotations to evaluate different combinations on the court.

Shorts quickly demonstrated why he is a key piece in the taronja project. His speed and penetration ability created defensive problems that are expected to repeat in the Liga Endesa. However, the first dominant force under the basket was Jasiel Rivero, who exerted control in the painted area during the initial phases.

The balance was broken in the final stretch of the first quarter with a 9-0 run built through free throws from Brooks, baskets from Shorts and Moore, and a spectacular alley-oop between Shorts and Gueye that ended the period with a score of 30-22 in favor of Valencia.

Zaragoza Responds and Takes the Lead

The players from Zaragoza started with better rhythm after the break. Caleb Homesley led a 7-1 run that completely rebalanced the score. The second quarter turned into a constant exchange of blows: the taronjas responded with three-pointers from Mo Gueye and Brooks, while Blumbergs, Cárdenas, and Jaworski found answers from the Zaragoza side. The halftime score was 50-44.

In the third period, Casademont continued its progression. Homesley connected from the perimeter, Blumbergs punished in the paint with consecutive tip-ins, and Justin Jaworski gradually gained accuracy. A three-pointer from Miguel González put Zaragoza ahead for the first time in the game with 55-57. Jaworski closed the quarter with a buzzer-beater three-pointer to end at 68-69, giving the lead to García de Vitoria's team before the decisive stretch.

Valencia Finishes Strongly in the Last Quarter

The final period began cold for both contenders, but it was precisely at that moment that Valencia showed its true difference. A dunk from Omari Moore in transition, a three-pointer from Puerto after a good defense, and a basket from Brooks began steering the game towards the taronja waters.

The verdict was sealed by Shorts with his characteristic leadership: an assist to Osetkowski, a personal penetration to score, and a foul drawn that he converted from the free-throw line. Jaworski still connected a three-pointer to keep hope alive, but Shorts again forced another trip to the line that definitively closed the score at 88-81.

Positive Takeaways and Areas for Improvement

For Valencia, the first impressions are encouraging. Brooks, Gueye, and Osetkowski delivered good performances in their debut, while Shorts' leadership in decisive moments was evident. Of the new signings, only Mario Saint-Supéry, who was on the roster, did not have the opportunity to accumulate minutes in this first match.

For Casademont, the reading is one of clear progression. They competed head-to-head against a EuroLeague rival and dominated long stretches of the third quarter, demonstrating that the work done during the preseason is paying off. García de Vitoria's team continues to shape a practically new roster, with seven signings and four retainments, also awaiting the recovery of Jilson Bango. Jaworski, who already scored 38 points in his debut against iLerna Lleida, was again a key player in offense.

This first friendly served for both teams to gain minutes of competition and mutual understanding. Valencia showed offensive ability and a more solid defense at key moments, while Zaragoza demonstrated being on a positive working path. The preseason continues, and both projects are still being shaped to face their respective objectives in the upcoming season.

This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Valencia Basket se estrena con victoria ante Zaragoza