Last season for Real Madrid began with dreams and aspirations, and their performance for most of the season seemed to confirm them; however, the final tally came out to… zero. For the first time since the 2010–11 season, the “Merengues” failed to win a single title, coming away empty-handed in all competitions. The loss to Olympiacos in the EuroLeague final isn’t a failure, but the same cannot be said for the loss of the Spanish Cup in the final to Baskonia, the loss to Valencia in the Super Cup final, and the shocking elimination by Tenerife in the ACB quarterfinals!
Sergio Scariolo handed the reins of the club over to Pedro Martínez, with the Spanish coach bringing fresh ideas and a different style of basketball to Madrid, while Real Madrid has strengthened its frontcourt with smart and shrewd moves—an area where the team struggled significantly last season. The departures of Hezonja and Liles are considered significant; both have moved to the NBA.
ΣΧΕΤΙΚΑ ΑΡΘΡΑ
New arrivals: Louvavou-Cabarot (Baskonia), Sulga (Boston Celtics), Pradilla (Valencia), Smith Jr. (Los Angeles Lakers), Jantunen (Fenerbahçe), Jones (Cheyang Golden Bulls), Sar (Cleveland Cavaliers), Martínez (coach, Valencia).
Departures: Scariolo (coach), Hezonja (Cleveland Cavaliers), Kramer (Red Star), Len (Baskonia), Liles (Minnesota Timberwolves), Jurčević (free agent), Sissoko (Beşiktaş), Almansa (free agent).
Major Strength: The team boasts a very high-quality and experienced roster, one of the most prestigious programs in Europe, and certainly the mettle of a champion. The team has made some very good and strategic moves, ensuring depth at every position.
Weakness: The departures of Hezonja and Liles have left a void in scoring. Both were consistent scoring threats, something that, at first glance, seems to be missing from the new Real Madrid. There are plenty of good defenders and playmakers, but the team lacks a player who can consistently “carry” the scoring load.
Key Player: After his dream season last year in Valencia, Pedro Martínez has moved up a level and is now called upon to prove himself at the highest level. With the EuroLeague “Coach of the Year” title to his credit, the 65-year-old coach has the expertise and the plan to “build” a highly offensive team and take Real to new heights.
Key Player: The answer—once again this year—is easy. Eddie Tavares is the “be-all and end-all” of Real Madrid on both ends of the court, the player who provides confidence, solutions, and composure at both ends of the court. His absence last season during the season finale “hurt” the Madrid team immensely.
Question mark: Whether newcomers Smith Jr., Sulga, Shar, and Jones will be able to quickly adapt to the reality of the EuroLeague. A quartet of players acquired to provide valuable solutions, but who have plenty of NBA experience and none on European courts.
Prediction: Just like every season, Real Madrid is aiming to go all the way this year as well. A spot in the playoffs should be considered a given; the team will have a good chance of securing a top-four finish and home-court advantage.
The roster:
1. Nick Smith Jr. – 1.88 m – G – 22 years old
2. Max Schulga – 1.93 m – G – 24 years old
3. Timothé Louavou-Kambaro – 1.98 m – F – 31 years old
4. Jaime Pradilla – 2.05 m – F/C – 25 years old
6. Alberto Abalde – 2.02 m – F – 30 years old
7. Facundo Campazzo – 1.85 m – G – 35 years old
8. Chuma Okeke – 2.01 m – F – 28 years old.
9. Gabriele Procida – 1.98 m – F – 24 years old.
12. Theo Maledon – 1.93 m – G – 25 years old
14. Gabriel Deck – 1.98 m – F – 31 years old
16. Ousman Garuba – 2.03 m – F/C – 24 years old.
20. Mikael Jantunen – 2.04 m – F – 26 years old.
22. Eddie Tavares – 2.21 m – C – 34 years old.
23. Sergio Yul – 1.91 m – G – 38 years old.
24. Andrés Feliz – 1.86 m – G – 29 years old.
30. Damian Jones – 2.11 m – C – 31 years old.
33. Olivier Char – 2.08 m – C – 27 years old
44. Eli Ediay – 2.04 m – F – 22 years old
Head Coach: Pedro Martínez
*photo source: KYPE
