Sima leaves Valencia after mutual termination agreement

The news was made official this Friday when Valencia Basket announced the termination of the contract that linked the player to the orange entity until the end of the 2027-28 season. The mutual consent agreement marks the end of a stage that began with renewed expectations for the Gambian-Spanish forward, who has barely had continuity in the team's sports project.

A career marked by previous successes

Yankuba Sima, born in Girona three decades ago, arrived at Valencia Basket with a resume full of achievements. His time in the Basketball Champions League with Unicaja was extraordinarily fruitful, winning two consecutive titles in 2024 and 2025. Additionally, he accumulated the FIBA Intercontinental Cup in 2024, two Copa del Rey titles in 2023 and 2025, and the Endesa Supercup in 2024. These merits positioned him as a reliable reinforcement for the orange structure.

Before his arrival in Valencia, Sima had participated in nine matches of the 7DAYS EuroCup and 59 in club European competitions, accumulating continental experience that proved valuable for a team with European ambitions. His profile as an international Spanish interior player made him attractive for a project looking to compete on multiple fronts.

Limited performance in the current season

However, his performance this season has not met initial expectations. During the preseason and his participation in the Endesa Supercup semifinal, Sima recorded modest figures: 4 points and 2 rebounds in the preparation matches. In total, during his time with the Valencia Basket men's team, he played 32 games with an average of 3.5 points and 1.9 rebounds per game, with an average valuation of 2.7.

These numbers reflect a lack of adaptation or continuity within the project, a circumstance that has prompted the search for a mutually agreed solution between both parties. The club has opted to free up spaces in the roster and allow the player to seek new opportunities where he can have more playing minutes.

Professional recognition and new horizon

From Valencia Basket, they have expressed their gratitude to the Spanish international for his professionalism and dedication during his time with the professional roster. The official statement highlights the player's impeccable behavior, regardless of the difficulties encountered on the court. The entity wishes him the best both professionally and personally for the future.

At the international level, Sima maintains his status as a player for the Spanish national team and was included in the call-up for the EuroBasket 2025, which demonstrates that he is still considered a valuable option for the Spanish federation despite his limitations at the orange club.

Closing a brief but significant stage

The termination of Sima represents a strategic adjustment within the structure of Valencia Basket, allowing the club to reallocate its resources and seek alternatives that better fit its tactical needs. Although his time was brief, the player leaves a mark of professionalism and commitment, qualities that will allow him to find a new destination where he can prove his worth in high-level competitions.

This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Sima abandona Valencia tras acuerdo de rescisión mutua