MoraBanc Andorra Boosted by Castañeda Return for Home Clash vs Baskonia

MoraBanc Andorra coach Žan Tabak expects Xavier Castañeda to return for Sunday's Liga ACB home game against Baskonia at 5pm in Pavelló Encarnació Mata, providing a boost amid confirmed long-term absences for Stan Okoye and Rafa Luz.

The club announced Okoye faces six weeks out after tests confirmed an internal ligament injury to his right knee from an accidental play in Friday's match against Surne Bilbao. Luz sustained a left hamstring muscle tear after withdrawing during the game against Bàsquet Girona; his recovery timeline will depend on progress. Both players will miss the clash, as the team battles relegation with 11 rounds remaining.

Tabak highlighted Castañeda's readiness after more than two months sidelined by a right hamstring rupture suffered in a January 11 fall against Real Madrid at Pavelló Toni Martí—initially projected at 12 weeks. The American-Bosnian guard, on loan from Unicaja Málaga until season's end, has resumed group training following a failed medical at Hiopos Lleida due to undisclosed right shoulder tendinitis. "He's in the final recovery phase," Tabak said, noting the addition of variety in ball-handlers despite potential synchronization challenges in attack.

Kyle Kuric has returned to full training after hip problems limited him against Bilbao, while Shannon Evans II—recovering from a sole injury—is also available after playing but lacking full sharpness in that game.

Tabak dismissed the need for market reinforcements to replace Okoye, citing sufficient squad depth. He views Baskonia's dual commitments in EuroLeague—recently against Hapoel Tel Aviv and Estrella Roja—and Copa del Rei as a potential edge. "Teams in two competitions often start slowly, especially away," the coach remarked, adding that Baskonia's high physical level poses the biggest challenge. They won the earlier matchup 99-92, with Kobi Simmons and Timothée Luwawu-Cabarrot scoring 19 points each; Evans led Andorra with 22.

Tabak praised the Bilbao performance—the most complete under his tenure despite the overtime loss—as a model for the group, with no evident drop in morale during training.

Separately, the club donated €1,700 to Andorra's Association of Rare Diseases (AMMA) through its "Tot suma" campaign, tying game statistics to contributions with sponsor support.