Skip to content
Engaged

Collaborating exclusively with the torso contingent:

Struggling Berliners in search of competent players as Euroleague absence diminishes appeal; youth players and a former player are temporarily stepping in for training sessions.

,   and  ASMedia
2 min read
Just the torso crew: A focus on the individuals forming the core team.
Just the torso crew: A focus on the individuals forming the core team.

Collaborating exclusively with the torso contingent:

ALBA Berlin Faces Challenges Ahead of 2022-23 Season

German basketball team ALBA Berlin is bracing for a challenging season as they navigate significant roster changes and squad challenges following the departure of key young players and a shift in competition level.

Roster Departures

Two Italian guards, Gabriele Procida and Matteo Spagnolo, who had been with ALBA Berlin for the last two seasons, have moved on. Procida joined EuroLeague powerhouse Real Madrid, seeking to develop under coach Sergio Scariolo, while Spagnolo's draft rights remain with the Minnesota Timberwolves. The departures were partly due to ALBA Berlin's decision to shift from EuroLeague to the FIBA Basketball Champions League, which might have impacted the club's ability to retain certain talents.

Squad Challenges

ALBA Berlin struggled with consistency in generating quality shooting opportunities during the 2022-23 season, as highlighted by Procida's decline in shooting efficiency towards the end of his tenure. This indicated broader offensive issues for the team. The team’s performance in the 2023-24 season showed mixed results, including a weaker record in the EuroLeague (only 4 wins in 27 games) and home/away game imbalances in the BBL, which can reflect ongoing squad challenges post-2022 adjustments.

New Additions for Future Seasons

To address roster gaps, ALBA Berlin has agreed terms with new players such as American guard Boogie Ellis for the 2025-26 season, pointing to ongoing squad renewal and attempts to strengthen guard positions. Some players who had been part of the squad earlier, like Koumadje (a center known for his shot-blocking and rebounding), have left for other teams after the 2022-23 season, signaling further shifts in roster composition.

As the new season approaches, ALBA Berlin is still expecting two or three professionals to join the team. However, a budget reduction has limited their player acquisition options, making them less appealing in the player market. Many players are waiting for better offers before deciding to join ALBA Berlin.

Preparing for the New Season

The first test match is against Veolia Towers Hamburg, scheduled for Sunday. Originally, a young player from Alba Berlin's youth setup was supposed to be promoted, but they have all gone to college. As a result, youth players are filling in the squad, allowing some training to take place. The sports director, Himar Ojeda, stated that they are moving from a Euroleague-level budget to a smaller one, which has delayed contract negotiations and left the team with only nine players under contract.

Captain Martin Hermannsson is not available due to his commitment with the Icelandic national team. Alba Berlin is currently missing several players from their squad, forcing them to improvise during training. A center is urgently needed by Alba Berlin. Former player Bennet Hundt is helping out, but is not a likely option for a contract.

Coach Pedro Calles acknowledged that the current circumstances are not ideal but they need to adapt. Despite the challenges, ALBA Berlin is determined to overcome their difficulties and compete at the highest level.

Read also:

Related

Latest