The tournament serves as a tribute to Javier Imbroda, the Melilla-born coach who led Spain’s national team and guided Unicaja through one of its most successful eras.
According to coverage from Melilla Hoy, the opening match is scheduled for Sunday, August 30, starting at 20:00 local time at the Pabellón de Deportes Javier Imbroda. The event will also feature a women’s fixture on September 13 at 18:00 local time between MCD La Salle and Unicaja Mijas, both competitors in the Liga Femenina Challenge.
Unicaja Málaga president Antonio Jesús López Nieto noted that the club looks forward to beginning its campaign in Melilla, adding that the city will host multiple events in 2027 to mark the 50th anniversary of the Málaga-based institution, as reported by Melilla Hoy. Head coach Txus Vidorreta will bring a squad featuring players such as Tyson Pérez, Tyler Kalinoski, Jonathan Barreiro, Nihad Djedovic, Melwin Pantzar, and Cameron Hunt. Spanish internationals Willy Hernangómez and Alberto Díaz will miss the fixture due to national team commitments with the Spain men’s national basketball team.
Club Melilla Baloncesto enters the fixture following its return to the Primera FEB (formerly LEB Oro), the second tier of Spanish professional basketball, as detailed by Festivales de España. The club has built an expanded roster designed to compete at a high level following its promotion.
Free tickets for the Memorial will be available starting Monday, August 24. Spectators can collect them at the headquarters of the regional Sports Ministry (Consejería de Deporte) and at various Unicaja Bank branches throughout Melilla, according to tournament organizers.
The Memorial forms part of the “Melilla, Ciudad del Deporte” initiative, an annual municipal program that encompasses over twenty national and international sporting events in the autonomous city.
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