2025-11-17 16:01
by
nlpkak
As a longtime basketball analyst who has followed European leagues for over a decade, I’ve always found Valencia Basket to be one of those fascinating teams that blend youth, experience, and sheer resilience. This season, they’ve built a roster that not only aims to compete but to endure the grueling schedule ahead—especially with the extended playoff phase looming. Let’s dive into the full roster and spotlight the key players who could define Valencia’s journey in the months to come.
Right off the bat, I have to mention the backcourt duo of Klemen Prepelič and Chris Jones. Prepelič, the Slovenian sharpshooter, is someone I’ve admired for his fearlessness in clutch moments. Last season, he averaged around 12 points per game in the EuroCup, but what stands out is his three-point accuracy—hovering near 42% in critical matches. Pair that with Chris Jones, a tenacious defender and playmaker, and you’ve got a backcourt that can disrupt offenses and create transition opportunities. Jones isn’t just a stat-sheet stuffer; his leadership on the floor is palpable. Watching him direct plays, you sense he’s the kind of player who makes everyone around him better.
Then there’s the frontcourt, anchored by Bojan Dubljević—a Valencia icon at this point. Having followed his career since his early days, I can confidently say his basketball IQ is off the charts. He might not be the most athletic big man out there, but his positioning, footwork, and mid-range shooting are a coach’s dream. This season, he’s averaging close to 14 points and 7 rebounds in domestic competitions, and his experience will be invaluable when the playoffs roll around. Alongside him, Jasiel Rivero brings energy and versatility. At 28, Rivero is in his prime, and I’ve noticed how his ability to stretch the floor opens up driving lanes for others. He’s not yet a household name, but mark my words—he could be one of the breakout players this year.
Of course, Valencia’s depth doesn’t end there. Players like Víctor Claver and Sam Van Rossom offer that veteran presence you can’t quantify with stats alone. Claver, in particular, has been a steady force for years. His defensive awareness and ability to guard multiple positions make him a Swiss Army knife off the bench. And let’s not forget the younger talents—James Webb III and Martin Hermannsson, for instance—who bring athleticism and fresh legs. Hermannsson’s playmaking has caught my eye more than once; he’s the kind of guard who can change the tempo of a game in a matter of possessions.
Now, here’s where the reference knowledge comes into play: because of the extended playoff phase, all these teams have to do is aim for a solid position in the elimination phase and take it from there. Frankly, I think Valencia is perfectly built for this scenario. Their roster isn’t top-heavy; instead, it’s balanced, with multiple players capable of stepping up on any given night. That depth will be crucial when fatigue sets in during those long playoff runs. In my view, teams that rely too heavily on one or two stars tend to fizzle out, but Valencia’s collective approach could give them an edge.
Let’s talk strategy for a moment. Valencia’s coach, Joan Peñarroya, has always emphasized ball movement and defensive discipline. I remember watching one of their games last season where they tallied 24 assists as a team—a testament to their unselfish style. This system allows role players to shine, which is why someone like Xabi López-Arostegui, though not always in the spotlight, can erupt for 15 points when needed. It’s this kind of flexibility that makes me optimistic about their playoff chances.
That said, I do have concerns. While their half-court offense is polished, they sometimes struggle against high-pressure defenses that force turnovers. In fact, they averaged about 13 turnovers per game in the EuroCup last year—a number that needs to drop if they want to go deep into the postseason. But if Jones and Hermannsson can maintain their composure under pressure, I believe they’ll mitigate that issue.
Looking at the bigger picture, Valencia’s success this season hinges on how well they manage their roster rotation and keep players fresh. With the extended playoff format, it’s not just about talent; it’s about endurance. Personally, I’d love to see them give more minutes to their younger players during the regular season to build confidence and adaptability. Players like Millán Jiménez, though raw, have shown flashes of brilliance that could pay dividends later.
In conclusion, Valencia Basket’s roster is a blend of seasoned veterans and promising talents, all orchestrated to secure a strong position before the elimination phase. From Prepelič’s shooting to Dubljević’s leadership, each piece has a role to play. As someone who’s watched this team evolve, I’m excited to see how they navigate the challenges ahead. If they stay healthy and stick to their identity, I wouldn’t be surprised to see them make a deep playoff run—maybe even contend for a title. After all, in basketball, it’s often the teams that peak at the right time that leave a lasting impression.
