The Unyielding Rise of Valencia Basket

A Night to Remember in Belgrade

The clock inside Belgrade’s Stark Arena had struck midnight when Chris Jones released the ball for the third time in forty seconds. Each shot felt heavier than the last. Valencia Basket had been down six points with 90 seconds left in regulation and down four with 12 seconds left in the first overtime. Now, they were still fighting in a second extra period that no one expected. Partizan’s crowd, known for their deafening noise, had shifted from volcanic to nervous to outright stunned as Valencia kept finding ways to stay alive. When the final horn sounded, Valencia had stolen a 105-103 win that felt less like a basketball game and more like a street fight that spilled into the next morning. The victory, captured in grainy phone clips, was the loudest statement yet that Valencia Basket is no longer content to be the continent’s polite overachiever. They want to matter, and they are willing to play until their lungs burn to prove it.

That night in Serbia was only Round 34 of the 2025-26 EuroLeague, but it crystallised everything this club has become. With a 21-13 record in the EuroLeague, Valencia sits in fifth place, securing a direct ticket to the playoffs. Back home in Liga Endesa, they boast an 18-6 record, patiently stalking the traditional giants of Madrid and Barcelona. The numbers indicate Valencia is having its best combined season since lifting the 2019-20 EuroCup. Yet, the feeling inside the dressing room is that the best pages are still unwritten. They no longer just believe they can win on the road in Istanbul or Moscow; they expect it.

The Blueprint for Success

Valencia’s journey to this point is a story of incremental choices rather than jackpot signings. Club president Juan Roig, who also owns the city’s sprawling Mercadona supermarket chain, has long refused to turn the basketball section into a vanity project. Budgets are generous by Spanish standards but modest compared to the €35 million payrolls at Real Madrid or Anadolu Efes. Sporting director Paco Raga has specialised in finding players who slip through the cracks of bigger markets. The current core of Darius Thompson, Brancou Badio, and Braxton Key fits that template perfectly.

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Thompson, once a third guard at Bayern Munich, now averages 12.5 points and 4.1 assists, becoming the steady hand in every crunch-time lineup. Badio, signed from Cholet for little more than a buyout and a promise, is second in the league in made threes since January. Key, picked up after a brief stint with the Detroit Pistons, guards four positions and has turned Valencia’s small-ball center minutes into a weapon rather than a sacrifice. The coaching box belongs to Pedro Martínez, a 59-year-old Catalan who brings a calm, teaching-oriented approach to the game.

Statistical Breakdown

The team’s statistics tell a compelling story. Over 34 EuroLeague games, Valencia has averaged 47.4% field goal percentage, 36.7% from three-point range, and 72.4% from the free-throw line. They have also demonstrated resilience on the defensive end, averaging 7.35 rebounds per game and 6.94 assists per game. These numbers are a testament to the team’s cohesion and strategic depth.

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In contrast, their opponents have averaged 46.5% field goal percentage and 34.6% from three-point range, highlighting Valencia’s ability to outshoot and outmanoeuvre their competition. The team’s turnover ratio and defensive rebounds also underscore their disciplined approach to the game.

The Road Ahead

As Valencia looks to the playoffs, their sights are set on more than just participation. They aim to challenge the dominance of Madrid and Barcelona, both in the EuroLeague and Liga Endesa. The club’s patient, strategic approach has laid the groundwork for sustained success. With a roster built on late-bloomers and overlooked veterans, Valencia Basket embodies the spirit of perseverance and teamwork. Their journey from polite overachievers to genuine contenders serves as a blueprint for clubs seeking to make their mark without relying on lavish spending.

For now, the focus remains on the present. Each game is an opportunity to solidify their position and prove that the win in Belgrade was not a fluke, but a testament to their growth. As the season progresses, Valencia Basket will continue to play with the same grit and determination that has defined their journey so far. The best pages may still be unwritten, but one thing is clear: this team is ready to write them.