MoraBanc Andorra Packs 700 Fans at Annual Street Party Preseason Bash
The basketball club rallied supporters with player contests, team presentations, and lively speeches in front of sponsor offices. Youth athletes and seniors united fans ahead of the league debut.
Key Points
- Nearly 700 fans gathered on Avinguda Meritxell for team intros and fan contests ahead of Lliga Endesa opener vs. Monbus Obradoiro on Sept. 26.
- All 21 club teams, including youth squads and special needs groups representing 350 young athletes, paraded on stage.
- President Gorka Aixàs called youth setup the club's 'heart'; coach Žan Tabak urged fans to fill Bombonera arena.
- Event featured new signings like Pustovyi and Ortega speaking Catalan, music, updated branding, and group photo finale.
Nearly 700 people gathered on Avinguda Meritxell in Andorra la Vella on Saturday for the MoraBanc Andorra basketball club's annual street party, a preseason event that introduced its teams and built excitement one week ahead of the senior team's Lliga Endesa debut against Monbus Obradoiro at the Bombonera on September 26 at 19:30.
Staged in front of the club's banking sponsor's offices, the afternoon kicked off with fan contests where attendees attempted—and mostly missed—captain Rafa Luz's celebrated 25-metre triple from last season against Bàsquet Girona. First-team players such as Jaylen Iwundu, Chumi Ortega, Leon Radosevic, Luka Bottiroli, Artem Pustovyi, James Akinjo and Kyle Kuric joined in the fun.
The club's 21 teams then paraded on stage, including mini and junior squads, senior women's and B teams, special needs groups and cheerleaders, along with mascot Brut—representing some 350 young athletes in total. President Gorka Aixàs described the youth setup as the club's "heart," providing its identity and energy while attracting talent through the first team's ACB presence. He added that the event, now a yearly tradition, always generates a vibrant atmosphere ahead of the season.
The senior squad and coaching staff followed, each offering remarks in Catalan to connect with the crowd. New signings Pustovyi and Ortega practised the language, while Kuric drew laughs by first saying "visca Catalunya" before quickly adding "i visca Andorra." Chumi Ortega thanked fans for last season's support and called for their presence at the Bombonera. Captain Luz echoed the plea, and coach Žan Tabak delivered an emotional address, expressing gratitude for past backing despite difficulties and stressing that the team goes nowhere without fan commitment. Veterans like Aaron Best promised no fear, with Americans including Dwayne McGriff, James Robertson and Iwundu bringing high energy. Radosevic and Luz received the loudest cheers as they rallied supporters to pack the arena.
Aixàs highlighted the squad's preseason progress toward quicker play, tougher defence and higher intensity, though Luz noted he'd manage the tempo when required. Music from Magic Gleam, DJ Tite and Brut, plus new club branding, an updated crest and tricolour merchandise, sustained the festive mood. The day ended with a collective photo of youth players, seniors, staff and cheerleaders.
Related Articles
Other articles from Catalan-language sources about the same story: