MoraBanc Andorra Set to Extend Coach Tabak's Contract Amid Staff Overhaul

MoraBanc Andorra has agreed in principle to extend coach Žan Tabak's contract, aligning the board, new sporting director Jordi Ardèvol and the Croatian on a shared vision for the club's revival. Only final contractual details remain to be resolved.

The announcement follows Friday's official unveiling of Ardèvol at the Baixada del Molí offices, where he replaces Francesc Solana, who bid an emotional farewell on Wednesday. Solana, who joined in 2010 from LEB Plata on Jordi Clua's recommendation, described leaving with "a mix of sadness, disappointment and pride." He had hoped for a different ending after 16 years of dedication, including promotions to LEB Oro and ACB in 2014, playoffs, Copa del Rey appearances, EuroCup semi-finals and key signings like Jean Montero, Shermadini and Albicy. Despite acknowledging last summer's roster errors and a lost club identity—"hard to build, easy to lose"—he rejected scapegoat claims, protected players from pressure and left with a clear conscience after learning of the decision on Monday following president Gorka Aixàs's radio comments. His shareholder stake, the second-largest, remains pending amid first-refusal rights for others; he stressed enduring emotional ties over ownership.

Aixàs called it the entity's hardest decision, crediting Solana with professionalising the club from amateur roots while insisting it was no dismissal and the venue would always be his home. Tensions had simmered through a grueling season with the ACB's fewest wins, though survival was secured.

Ardèvol, passed over by former captain David Navarro for family reasons tied to his Obradoiro retirement, brings extensive expertise. His record includes youth coaching at Mas Guinardó, SAFA Claror, Cornellà and L'Hospitalet—where he directed seniors in LEB Oro and the Catalan Basketball Federation's tech centre—three years (2007-2010) as Manresa's sporting director during ACB promotion and scouting Ibaka and Eriksson, five years leading FC Barcelona's youth basketball with Hezonja's recruitment, and a decade in NBA scouting for New Orleans Pelicans and Los Angeles Clippers.

Aixàs, whose post-season resignation offer was rejected by the board, prioritises Tabak's retention for his leadership and youth mentorship. Chumi Ortega's renewal is near; Kuric and Kostadinov have guaranteed deals, with the latter eyed by NCAA teams. Pustovyi, Guerrero, Pons, Okoye, Luz and Evans hold cut clauses, while Rice, Castañeda, Best, McKoy and Ganal are free agents.

At Friday's media briefing, Aixàs outlined a roster refresh targeting "hungry" talents, a European return to boost appeal and a communication overhaul alongside brand updates for fan engagement. Despite recent struggles, he affirmed peak institutional health: record 3,471 average attendance at Pavelló Toni Martí, sponsorships to 2033, over 50% of €6 million budget from own funds.

Youth director David Eudal noted growth to 350 players across 26 groups, a full female lineup and ski-study programme, positioning the base as a cornerstone.