BAXI Manresa travels to Gran Canaria to surprise a direct rival
The team from Manresa could recover players for the visit to Las Palmas this Saturday at 8:45 pm. The Canaries are looking for play-off places and fighting for positions with a competitor with the same objectives.
BAXI Manresa faces Matchday 23 of the Endesa League with some players still in the infirmary, but with recovered players for their visit after a week of long trips. The Canary Islands team, eighth with 11 wins, doesn't want to lose its hold on the top positions.
It's the second long trip of the week for BAXI Manresa, who depart this Friday at noon for Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. Diego Ocampo's team faces Matchday 23 eager to surprise a rival looking to secure a place in the top eight. The Bages team is still without Jaume Sorolla, while Massa and Obasohan will travel and are doubtful due to injuries.
Dreamland Gran Canaria is currently eighth with 11 wins, two less than BAXI Manresa. The team coached by Jaka Lakovic has a familiar face among the Manresa fans: Joe Thomasson. On the bench, another legend of the Nou Congost: Albert Oliver. The Yellows have as key players the Argentine Nico Brussino, the team's highest-rated player, and other big names such as Homesley, Tobey, and Conditt. Also on the roster are highly experienced players such as Shurna, Alocén, and Miquel Salvó, rounding out a top-level squad.
Diego Ocampo told the media this Friday that «they are semifinalists in the Copa del Rey and the Eurocup, they are very competitive; they have two or sometimes three very good players in each position and have been able to compete very well in adversity due to injuries, taking steps forward. They have creative play from the base and finishing skills; they are a very good team in attack and very organized both in attack and defense».