Morabanc Andorra Faces Baskonia Without Injured Luz and Pons
Rafa Luz out with hamstring strain for three weeks; Yves Pons sidelined by ankle sprain but may return soon.
Key Points
- Rafa Luz: left hamstring strain from Lleida game; 3-4 weeks recovery, misses Baskonia.
- Yves Pons: left ankle sprain in training; possible return Jan 11 vs Real Madrid or later.
- Roster adjustments: Justin McKoy back, Aaron Best starts; no exits until replacements.
- Coach Joan Plaza: 'We'll go to win' at tough Buesa Arena despite two wins above relegation.
Morabanc Andorra faces its next Liga ACB fixture against Baskonia without Rafa Luz and Yves Pons, both sidelined by injuries confirmed after Friday's loss to Hiopos Lleida.
The club's point guard, Rafa Luz, suffered a hamstring strain in his left leg during the closing minutes of that game and underwent medical tests afterward. Sources at the club estimate a recovery period of around three weeks, though one report suggests it could extend to three or four weeks depending on progress. Luz will miss Sunday's match at the Fernando Buesa Arena in Vitoria.
Forward Yves Pons sat out the Lleida contest entirely after spraining his left ankle in the previous day's training session. His return looks more imminent, with potential availability as early as the January 11 home game against Real Madrid—though January 17 versus Río Breogán appears more likely—or up to two or three weeks out, subject to daily assessments.
The absences complicate roster management. American forward Justin McKoy returned to the squad for the Lleida game after two matches out, while Aaron Best started in the lineup. Neither will leave while spots remain vacant due to injuries. McKoy lacks a confirmed destination, and Best's potential exit hinges on securing combo guard Darryl Macon from Maroussi BC, which has not eased his release.
Coach Joan Plaza previewed the Baskonia test by stressing competitiveness despite the setbacks. "We'll go to win, as always," he said. "The difficulty is another matter." The team, two victories clear of relegation, seeks to rebound on one of the league's toughest courts.
Original Sources
This article was aggregated from the following Catalan-language sources: