Tournament Format and Schedule at Lalo García
The competition operates on a round-robin format, featuring four squads: teams from Bilbao and Gijón alongside two combined rosters representing Veteranos Valladolid Baloncesto. According to tournament organizers, an initial invitation to an extra club fell through due to a scheduling clash with a memorial event, prompting local players to double their roster depth to keep the schedule intact.
Matches run on Saturday from 10:00 to 14:00 and 16:00 to 20:00 local time (UTC+2), continuing Sunday morning from 10:00 to 14:00. Admission to the Lalo García venue is free for all spectators throughout the weekend.
Notable Players and Technical Staff
The rosters feature prominent names from the history of basketball in Valladolid and across Spain. According to verified coverage, participants include Mike Hansen, Jacobo Odriozola—who traveled in from Santander—Samuel Román, David Martínez Urdiales, Juanma Fernández, Juan Carlos Martín, Ignacio Alfonso, Jorge Molinero, Juanma Cárdaba, Óscar del Pozo “Chopo”, Hugo Martín, Pepe Carrascal “Matraco”, Jesús Aguado, Óscar Magdaleno, Pablo Padilla, and Jaime Placer. The Asturian side brings in players such as Diego Sánchez, who returns to senior competition at age 50.
On the sidelines, Paco Tomillo manages the bench duties. The association’s leadership structure lists Fernando Ovelleiro as president, Miguel Ángel Reyes as vice president, Julio Torres as secretary, and Juanma Cárdaba as treasurer.
Association Goals and Social Outreach
The tournament serves as the formal launching pad for a permanent association of basketball veterans in the region. Fernando Ovelleiro described the group’s inclusive scope to Cope, stating that the project aims to remain transversal across all clubs for anyone sharing a love for the sport. The entity previously organized charity events in Cuéllar and Medina del Campo, raising funds for cancer research and Alzheimer’s initiatives.
The newly formed group has established a working partnership with CBC Valladolid to integrate long-term activities into the city’s broader basketball framework. Planned initiatives include school visits, social outreach programs, and career transition support for athletes exiting professional play. Social media backing for the event has arrived from prominent figures in Spanish basketball, including the Llorente brothers, Román Montáñez, Fede Ramiro, Carmelo Cabrera, Anicet Lavodrama, and Santi Aldama.
Official Events and Next Steps
Alongside the games at Lalo García, the itinerary includes an official reception at the Diputación de Valladolid and a communal dinner at Bar Paraíso 13 backed by the Alimentos de Valladolid brand. Fans can track ongoing updates and association activities via their official Instagram channel at @veteranosbaloncestovalladolid.
