Ferran Bassas Leaves Andorra for Rival Manresa After Limited Minutes and Contract Dispute

Ferran Bassas, the Catalan point guard who captained Andorra's BC MoraBanc at the start of the season, parted ways with the club on December 14 after limited playing time under coach Joan Plaza. He has since joined rival BAXI Manresa, where he feels fully trusted and is thriving athletically ahead of Sunday's matchup at Nou Congost.

Bassas explained that despite being named captain by Plaza—overriding expectations that Rafa Luz would take the role—he rarely featured in the lineup. "Plaza told me in the summer I'd be the second point guard and even discussed minutes," Bassas said. But after a few league games, general manager Francesc Solana informed him in early November that the coach lacked confidence in him due to turnovers. Bassas persisted but saw no change, even as he played more under prior coach Pablo Lezkano amid injuries.

His departure stemmed from frustration over his role and contractual disputes. The club had twice asked Bassas to defer significant portions of his salary—first mid-last season, then again in the summer—to ease financial pressures, which he accepted as a favor. Upon leaving, they conditioned his release on waiving the remaining season's pay, including deferred amounts. "I helped them twice, but they asked me to renounce what was contractually mine," he said. Negotiations dragged, with the club initially agreeing to his exit before hesitating over injury risks to other guards, only relenting after a week. Bassas ultimately waived the money to prioritize his career, though he called the handling disappointing.

He emphasized the club's financial requests affected multiple players, including Aaron Best and Justin McKoy, who sought full contracts late last year. Bassas holds no grudge personally—praising Solana, president Gorka Aixàs, and teammates—but felt neither important nor respected on the court. Neither Plaza nor Aixàs addressed him directly.

Now at Manresa under Diego Ocampo, Bassas plays key minutes and lives near family. Despite the acrimony, he spoke fondly of Andorra: "My family and I felt very comfortable there; the people treated us well." Sunday's game will be emotional, he added, fueling extra motivation.