Hidrocarburos de Caracas Unveils Team for the Venezuelan Basketball Super League

Building a Roster for the Inaugural LSB Campaign

The newly formed Caracas franchise enters the league with a core group transitioning largely from the former Centauros setup, complemented by seasoned veterans from across the Venezuelan circuit. According to El Universal’s roster breakdown, the team’s starting lineup features Carlos “El Chino” Páez running the point after arriving from Brillantes del Zulia, alongside Kelvin “El Pollo” Peña as the scoring guard, with experience across Centauros de Portuguesa and Spartans Distrito Capital.

The frontcourt and wing positions bring further established pedigree to the club. Lenín López steps in at small forward following his tenure with Marinos de Anzoátegui, Luis Almanza handles power forward duties after previously playing for Spartans Distrito Capital, and Albert Arias locks down the paint at center after playing for Gaiteros del Zulia. Salazar acknowledged the challenge of assembling a cohesive unit quickly from a limited initial player pool, noting that the coaching staff’s primary focus is instilling a rigorous work ethic and unified team philosophy.

Coaching Philosophy and Championship Ambitions

Taking charge of a fresh franchise brings unique pressures, but Salazar made his competitive stance clear during the team’s official unveiling at Fuerte Tiuna. “First, through my mind always passes winning. I don’t tolerate losing and those who work with me know it. I work and prepare to win,” Salazar told reporters, as reported by El Universal. The veteran coach emphasized that buy-in from the players remains essential for establishing immediate chemistry.

Echoing that sentiment, power forward Luis Almanza highlighted the distinct nature of competing domestically rather than abroad. “Having the opportunity to play in other countries is important, but for me the league circuit in Venezuela is a privilege,” Almanza said. The veteran forward added that playing under a coach of Salazar’s stature offers constant growth opportunities.

Opening Schedule and Next Checkpoints

Hidrocarburos de Caracas will face an immediate test when the regular season tips off on September 26. The capital side travels to face Spartans Distrito Capital at the Gimnasio José Joaquín “Papá” Carrillo in Parque Miranda. The teams meet again at the same venue on September 28, before Hidrocarburos hits the road for Valencia to challenge Trotamundos de Carabobo at the Forum de Valencia on September 30.