Valencia Basketball Roster Breakdown: Key Players and New Additions for This Season

As a longtime basketball analyst who’s followed European hoops for over a decade, I’ve always been fascinated by how Valencia Basket manages to stay competitive year after year. Let’s be honest—the extended playoff phase in the Liga ACB and EuroCup means teams like Valencia can’t afford to ease into the season. Because of the extended playoff phase, all these teams have to do is to aim for a solid position in the elimination phase and take it from there. That’s exactly the mindset I see shaping their roster decisions this time around. It’s not just about talent; it’s about building a group that peaks when it matters most.

Looking at this year’s Valencia squad, I’m struck by the balance of continuity and fresh faces. They’ve retained core players like Bojan Dubljević, a veteran big man who’s been with the club since 2013. At 32 years old, he might not have the same spring in his step, but his basketball IQ is off the charts—I’d argue he’s one of the smartest centers in Europe. Then there’s Chris Jones, the explosive guard who averaged around 12 points and 4 assists last season. He’s the kind of player who can single-handedly change the tempo of a game, and in those tight elimination matchups, that’s priceless. But what really excites me are the new additions. Take Jasiel Rivero, the Cuban power forward who joined from Zaragoza. He put up 14.2 points per game last year, and his low-post game is something Valencia desperately needed. I watched him in a preseason friendly, and his footwork in the paint is just sublime. Another newcomer, Martin Hermannsson, brings playmaking and EuroLeague experience. Having covered his stint with ALBA Berlin, I can say he’s a clutch performer—exactly the profile you want when every possession counts in the playoffs.

Now, let’s talk about the backcourt. I’ve always believed guard depth separates good teams from great ones, and Valencia seems to agree. Alongside Jones, they’ve added young talent like Millán Jiménez, a 21-year-old wing who shot 38% from three in the Spanish second division. Is he ready for prime time? Maybe not yet, but his upside is enormous. And let’s not forget Klemen Prepelič, the Slovenian sharpshooter. When he gets hot, he can drop 20 points in a flash—I remember his 30-point outburst against Baskonia last March; it was a masterclass in off-ball movement. But here’s my concern: their perimeter defense. With Sam Van Rossom retiring, they’ve lost a steady hand. Hermannsson and Jones are solid, but neither is a lockdown defender. In a physical league like the ACB, that could haunt them in a best-of-five series.

Up front, the roster looks deeper. Aside from Dubljević and Rivero, they have James Webb III, a stretch-four who hit 41% of his threes last season. I love his versatility—he can guard multiple positions and spaces the floor, which is crucial for Valencia’s drive-and-kick offense. Then there’s the X-factor: Boubacar Touré, the 7-foot center from Mali. He’s raw, but his shot-blocking instincts are legit. I saw him swat 3 shots in just 18 minutes against Unicaja, and if he develops, he could be a game-changer in the paint. Still, I worry about their rebounding consistency. Against giants like Real Madrid or Barça, they’ll need everyone crashing the boards.

From a strategic standpoint, Valencia’s success hinges on chemistry. Coach Álex Mumbrú has to integrate the new pieces quickly—because, as I mentioned earlier, the extended playoff phase means every regular-season game impacts seeding. They can’t afford a slow start. My prediction? They’ll finish between 3rd and 5th in the ACB, with a deep EuroCup run. But it won’t be easy. Key players like Dubljević must stay healthy, and the newcomers need to adapt fast. Personally, I’m betting on Rivero to have a breakout year; his skill set fits perfectly here.

In the end, Valencia’s roster isn’t the flashiest, but it’s built for the long haul. They’ve got experience, youth, and just enough star power to compete. As someone who’s seen teams rise and fall, I admire their approach—focus on the elimination phase, and let the rest take care of itself. It might not make headlines, but it wins games. And for fans like me, that’s what matters most.