Bàsquet Menorca approaches another pivotal test in its 2026/2027 preseason preparations, hosting the Trofeu AON Illes Balears at the Pavelló Menorca in Mahón. Following a narrow 87-83 victory over Fibwi Mallorca Bàsquet Palma, head coach Javier Zamora’s squad continues to integrate new personnel ahead of the upcoming Primera FEB campaign.
The regional tournament brings together three Balearic clubs in the country’s second tier of professional basketball, offering an early gauge of competitive readiness for Menorca, Fibwi Mallorca, and Palmer Basket Mallorca Palma. According to club announcements released ahead of the weekend fixtures, the matchups serve as crucial benchmarks as teams refine their rosters and tactical identities.
Bintaufa Hosts Preseason Showcase
The Pavelló Menorca provides the venue for the local leg of the Trofeu AON Illes Balears following earlier preseason action in Ibiza. The schedule pitted Bàsquet Menorca against Fibwi Mallorca Bàsquet Palma on Friday, September 11, at 18:30 local time (16:30 UTC), followed by a Sunday clash against Palmer Basket Mallorca Palma at the same time.
Bàsquet Menorca head coach Javier Zamora emphasized the value of the tournament format in remarks published by the club. «We’ve had two years with a similar format, and this year it’s our turn to play at home against the two teams from Palma, who are also doing a great job,» Zamora stated. He noted that the AON tournament highlights the presence of three competitive Balearic sides in Primera FEB, alongside Class Bàsquet Sant Antoni, which continues to push for promotion from lower categories.
Roster Rebuilds and Fitness Updates
Both Menorca and their Palma-based opponents enter the tournament with heavily revamped squads. Zamora noted that evaluating opponents remains difficult during September due to ongoing roster construction and methodological shifts across the clubs. «They are two projects that have changed quite a few faces, like us, and are building the squad, methodology, and line of work they are going to follow,» he observed.
For Menorca, the weekend offers an opportunity to ease returning players back into competitive minutes. Guard Pol Figueras traveled with positive sensations and eyed his first minutes on the parquet after nearly a full year away from official competition due to injury. Forward Marc Martí also continued his gradual return following a significant injury layoff. Meanwhile, the club confirmed that Diosdado Kronhert is no longer with the team, having transitioned to the setup at Tres Cantos, while preseason contributors such as Golden Dike and Manu García have participated in team training sessions.
Rival Profiles in Primera FEB
Friday’s opponent, Fibwi Mallorca Bàsquet Palma, arrived under the direction of head coach Álex Formento, who aims to stabilize the club in national basketball’s second division. The Palma side combined local talent with veteran additions, opening their preseason with a 65-97 victory over Class Bàsquet Sant Antoni in the same tournament structure.
Sunday’s opponent, Palmer Basket Mallorca Palma, enters a new phase under head coach Íñigo Núñez following a difficult debut season in Primera FEB. The club bolstered its organizational structure through increased professionalization, appointing Adrián Villalobos as general director and securing financial backing from an incoming investment group. Palmer opened their exhibition schedule with a 51-102 win against Bàsquet Calvià.
Tickets for the Trofeu AON Illes Balears were distributed via a two-euro charitable donation directed to the Balearic Basketball Federation (Federació de Bàsquet de les Illes Balears) through the TicketIB platform.
What Lies Ahead for Bàsquet Menorca
Following the conclusion of the Trofeu AON Illes Balears, Bàsquet Menorca will continue its closed-door and public exhibition schedule to finalize rotations before the official Primera FEB regular season tips off. Fans and analysts can monitor official club channels for subsequent fixture announcements and health updates regarding the squad.
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