# Spanish basketball preseason preparations

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/spanish-basketball-preseason-preparations
> Updated: 2026-09-09T14:27:39.000Z. Sources: 12. Developments: 5.

Spanish basketball clubs Unicaja and Valencia Basket have entered their preseason training phases with various roster adjustments. Unicaja coach Txus Vidorreta is utilizing preseason sessions to experiment with tactical schemes and player roles. Due to injuries to players including Kalinoski, Hunt, and Kravish, alongside absences during the FIBA window, the club is relying on academy youth players to provide depth. To assist with training, Unicaja added American center Daniel Giddens as a temporary reinforcement. Following a preseason test in Melilla, Vidorreta praised the squad’s “high rhythm, offensive production, and defensive balance,” though the team suffered a setback when Yannick Nzosa sustained an injury. As preparations intensify, Unicaja has entered the Costa del Sol Tournament. In the opening match of the XV Torneo Costa del Sol, held at the Pabellón Rubén Ruzafa, Unicaja defeated La Laguna Tenerife 80-76. Willy Hernangómez led the team with 16 points and 11 rebounds, achieving a 32 efficiency rating. Although Tenerife narrowed the gap to 71-74 in the final minutes, Unicaja secured the victory with a 9-0 run. La Laguna Tenerife, coached by Jaka Lakovic, struggled with perimeter shooting and faced the absence of Ethan Happ due to illness. Regarding roster management, sporting director Juanma Rodríguez noted the club is looking to complete the squad by monitoring potential NBA training camp releases, following injuries to Yannick Nzosa and Tyler Kalinoski. To support the technical staff, Unicaja has appointed Fede Van Lacke as a new assistant coach, joining Andrija Gavrilovic, Gonzalo Hermoso, and Mikel Ereño. Valencia Basket has also commenced group training under coach Xavi Albert. The men’s squad includes new signings such as Dylan Osetkowski, TJ Shorts, Gonzalo Corbalán, Elias Valtonen, and Armoni Brooks.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-09: Unicaja Málaga defeats La Laguna Tenerife in Costa del Sol tournament

Unicaja Málaga beat La Laguna Tenerife 80-76 in the XV Torneo Costa del Sol preseason tournament, led by Willy Hernangómez's double-double.

9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/unicaja-mlaga-prepares-for-costa-del-sol-tournament-and-completes-coaching-staff

### 2026-08-28: Unicaja prepares for preseason debut against Melilla Ciudad del Deporte

Unicaja will debut its new roster and coach Txus Vidorreta this Sunday in a preseason game against Melilla Ciudad del Deporte.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/unicaja-prepares-for-preseason-debut-against-melilla-ciudad-del-deporte

### 2026-08-20: Unicaja to kick off preseason with Memorial Javier Imbroda in Melilla

Unicaja begins its preseason with the III Memorial Javier Imbroda in Melilla, featuring matches on August 30 and September 13. Coach Vidorreta is also integrating four Liga U players into the squad.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/unicaja-to-kick-off-preseason-with-memorial-javier-imbroda-in-melilla

### 2026-08-19: Spanish basketball clubs Unicaja and Valencia Basket begin preseason training

Spanish basketball clubs Unicaja and Valencia Basket begin preseason training with key signings including Daniel Giddens, Dylan Osetkowski, and Kamila Borkowska.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/spanish-basketball-clubs-unicaja-and-valencia-basket-begin-preseason-training

### 2026-08-18: Unicaja coach Txus Vidorreta relies on academy players during preseason

Unicaja coach Txus Vidorreta is integrating academy players into the preseason squad to compensate for injuries and FIBA window absences.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/unicaja-coach-txus-vidorreta-relies-on-academy-players-during-preseason

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Cite as: Spanish basketball preseason preparations. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/spanish-basketball-preseason-preparations