Although it is still only the beginning, Casademont are already showing the step up in quality they have made both in the paint and in one of the areas that proved most difficult for them last season: the perimeter. The two games played by García de Vitoria’s team so far are evidence of this, with victories that have highlighted their depth and new additions.
Against the Catalan side, the Aragonese team produced an offensive masterclass, led by an inspired Justin Jaworski, who finished the game with 38 points. Last Saturday against Tenerife, Casademont, who were able to call on all their players following the arrivals of Trae Bell-Haynes, Nico Brussino and Roberts Blumbergs, edged a semifinalist from last season’s Liga Endesa campaign.
García de Vitoria’s team are making a very positive impression. Photo: Casademont Zaragoza
In this way, the game against Valencia will allow García de Vitoria to continue refining ideas, systems and concepts within a squad that will have another opportunity to keep getting to know one another and adapting on the court. All of this is part of their ongoing work to reach their best form before their ACB debut, scheduled for the final weekend of September against La Laguna Tenerife.
THE OPPONENT: VALENCIA BASKET
Against Casademont, Valencia Basket will begin their preseason with the first of three preparation games before taking part in the Endesa Super Cup. They will do so after undergoing major changes both on the bench and within the squad. Following Pedro Martínez’s departure and the loss of several important players, Xavi Albert has been put in charge of a team that has made numerous signings.
The friendly against the Aragonese side will be the first opportunity to see this season’s additions in the Taronja jersey: TJ Shorts, Mario Saint-Supery, Dylan Osetkowski, Armoni Brooks, Mo Gueye, Elias Valtonen and Gonzalo Corbalán. In addition, Lucas Marí returns to the Taronja setup as a first-team player, while Cuban player Jasiel Rivero, on a temporary contract, will strengthen the squad for this game.
After facing Valencia, Casademont’s next game will be against French side Elan Bearnais Pau Lacq-Orthez on September 12 (8:30 p.m.) in Zuera. Subsequently, in their final preparation game, the Aragonese club will host UCAM Murcia on September 20 in a new edition of the José Luis Abós Memorial.
