Casademont Zaragoza enters the 2026-27 Liga Endesa season deeply reconstructed, aiming to steer far clear of the relegation danger that marred a turbulent previous campaign. Following an agonic escape from the drop zone in the final moments of the prior season, the club has overhauled its roster and leadership structure under head coach Gonzalo García de Vitoria.
A Narrow Escape and a Restructured Roster
The urgency for a fresh start follows a 2025-26 season defined by erratic performances, defensive vulnerabilities, injuries, and a revolving door on the bench that saw three different coaches take charge. The campaign culminated dramatically in Lugo against Río Breogán, where Marco Spissu hit a game-winning three-pointer on the buzzer to secure a 95-94 victory just four seconds from the final whistle, narrowly preserving the club’s ACB status.
A Full Preseason Under García de Vitoria
With García de Vitoria now firmly established after taking over with three games remaining last term, the organization has given the coach a full preseason to shape a project to his exact specifications. The roster bears little resemblance to the one that finished the spring, retaining only four players from the previous esqueleto: Trae Bell-Haynes, Miguel González, Jaime Fernández, and Gabriel Olaseni.
Eight New Additions and Interior Transformation
To fill the gaps, management brought in eight new additions, focusing heavily on experience and proven Liga Endesa knowledge. The backcourt welcomes Guillem Vives, Sergi García, and Nico Brussino, who returns to Zaragoza after a five-year absence. Scoring punch has been added on the perimeter through the arrivals of Justin Jaworski and Caleb Homesley.
The interior game underwent a total transformation. Laurynas Birutis joins after spending four seasons with Zalgiris, while Roberts Blumbergs arrives to stretch the floor from the power forward position. Jilson Bango also returns to the club following a stint with Fenerbahce, though he begins the new season sidelined while recovering from a knee injury.
Memorial Victory and Enduring Fan Loyalty
Preparation for the new campaign yielded encouraging signs, capped by an 87-72 victory over UCAM Murcia in the Memorial José Luis Abós. That positive momentum has resonated with supporters; the club closed August with 8,503 registered season ticket holders across its men’s and women’s squads, showing enduring loyalty despite the anxiety of the previous year.
La Laguna Tenerife Faces New Era
Meanwhile, opponents La Laguna Tenerife approach this fixture amid their own significant transition. Tenerife enters this new era relying heavily on the continuity of its veteran core, spearheaded by Marcelinho Huertas and Gio Shermadini, even after reaching the domestic league semifinals and eliminating Real Madrid in the quarterfinals last season.
As Casademont Zaragoza opens its schedule against La Laguna Tenerife, the primary objective is establishing stability from the opening tip and ensuring a competitive, secure campaign in Spain’s top flight.
