MoraBanc Infantil Vermell finish Minicopa group in Valencia, prioritising development

MoraBanc Andorra’s Infantil Vermell team completed its Minicopa Endesa group stage in Valencia on Saturday after two intense days of matches and team activities. Coached by Èric Martí, the mostly 2012-born squad (with three 2013-born players) faced a demanding group and left proud of the experience and of sustaining an exemplary attitude against top-level opposition.

Drawn with CB Canarias, Unicaja Málaga and Bilbao Basket — clubs with far deeper talent pools — the MoraBanc roster included Ricard Zomeño, Nadim Keshta, Maxim Marine, Arnau Aguilar, Jordi Pifarré, Nil Salerno, Enric Porta, Enzo Verissimo, Mikel Canal, Denis García, Pep Macià, Toni Jiménez and Enzo Cortés. Results were heavy: a 63–12 defeat to CB Canarias on Friday, a 77–26 loss to Unicaja on Saturday morning, and a 61–11 defeat to Bilbao Basket that afternoon.

Youth coordinator Xavi Luque highlighted the tournament’s physical and scheduling challenges — three games in 24 hours with little rest — and said the mismatch in size and resources showed in the later stages. Still, he praised the players for making “an extra effort” and stressed that the team met its main objective: attitude. “We know we cannot compete head-to-head with those feeder clubs, but if we fulfil our targets we go home satisfied,” he said, adding that singling out individuals would be unfair because “every child had their moment.”

Beyond the scores, the Minicopa provided a broad developmental and social programme. Between matches the group visited the City of Arts and Sciences, attended painting workshops and immersive experiences, and spent a convivencia weekend that strengthened team bonds. Parents accompanied and supported the players from the stands throughout the event.

The facilities made a strong impression. Luque called the Alqueria “one of the best installations in Europe” and noted that the new Fonteta hosts the most important matches, giving participants the feel of competing at ACB level. The team played two games on Alqueria’s central court, an experience the players regarded as a special reward.

On the question of competition format — a debate prompted by large score gaps between clubs with different resources — Luque defended the current system as broadly effective and attributed disparities mainly to club infrastructures. He did suggest there may be a role for clearer ethical guidelines for some squads.

The MoraBanc delegation planned to remain in Valencia through Sunday to attend the medal ceremony and watch the finals before returning home. For the club, the Minicopa was less about results than growth, learning and pride; the players return to their Interterritorial league fixtures determined to keep improving.