Valencia Basket’s men’s team prepares for its ninth EuroLeague season against LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne. The match is set for Wednesday, November 1, at 8:00 p.m. in Astroballe. Valencia enters this challenge after securing their first title of the season. However, the team faces fatigue due to playing five games in eight days.
Injury Concerns and Limited Rotation
Valencia’s roster for the game is limited to twelve players. Four key athletes are sidelined with injuries: Xabi López-Arostegui, Jean Montero, Brancou Badio, and Yankuba Sima. Historically, Valencia has struggled at Astroballe, holding a record of 2-6. However, they managed to defeat ASVEL in their last two visits during the 2022-23 season.
Player Highlights
Neal Sako returns to the venue where he debuted in the EuroLeague last year. He is among several players expected to make their EuroLeague appearances, including Moore, Iroegbu, and Nogués.
LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne’s Recent Performance
LDLC ASVEL enters the match with a recent win in the French League, defeating Nancy 115-71. The team has undergone significant changes during the summer, losing several prominent players. They have since reshaped their roster, bringing in American talent such as Seljaas, Harrison, and Watson. The frontcourt is reinforced with local players like Vautier, Traoré, and Massa. Notably, Thomas Heurtel has not yet played this season due to injury.
Coaching Insights
Pedro Martínez, Valencia’s head coach, acknowledged the physical limitations his team faces. He expressed optimism about maintaining competitive spirit despite the challenges. He emphasized that this matchup against a physically imposing team would be difficult but inspirational. Martínez highlighted the skills of ASVEL’s players, particularly Nando de Colo and Harrison, as key factors in the game.
Team Rosters
LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne
- Zach Seeljas (USA) – Forward
- Adam Atamna (France) – Guard
- Shaquille Harrison (USA) – Guard
- Melvin Ajinca (France) – Forward
- Bodian Massa (France) – Center
- Edwin Jackson (France) – Guard
- Nando De Colo (France) – Guard
- David Lighty (USA) – Forward
- Mbaye Ndiaye (Senegal) – Forward
- Glynn Watson Jr. (USA) – Guard
- Bastien Vautier (France) – Center
- Marvyn Wade (France) – Guard
- Armel Traoré (France) – Forward
Valencia Basket
- Kameron Taylor (USA) – Forward
- Josep Puerto (Spain) – Forward
- Nate Reuvers (USA/Hungary) – Forward
- Jaime Pradilla (Spain) – Forward
- Sergio De Larrea (Spain) – Guard
- Omari Moore (USA) – Guard
- Neal Sako (France) – Center
- Darius Thompson (USA/Italy) – Guard
- Ike Iroegbu (USA/Nigeria) – Guard
- Matt Costello (USA/CIV) – Center
- Isaac Nogués-González (Spain) – Guard
- Nate Sestina (USA) – Forward
This matchup promises to provide significant challenges and opportunities for both teams as they navigate the EuroLeague season ahead.
