By John Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
The Islanders knocked out Valencia in 2-1 last Friday and secured a place in the EuroLeague for the first time in their history. Since 2000-01, they have played in a European contest 14 times, but in 2018-2019 they will be playing in Europe’s top club competition for the first time.
Of course, this achievement, in itself, is very important for Luis Casimiro’s team. However, qualifying against Valencia is special for another reason too, since it was combined with the team’s second presence among Spain’s Top 4 teams.
Since 2000, Gran Canaria has missed the ACB playoffs only four times. Which means they have 15 appearances, but until this season, they had survived the first round only once, in 2013, when they knocked out Laboral Kutxa in 2-1. They then lost to Barcelona and a 3-0 sweep. This season, they will be going up against Real Madrid.
The following table includes all of Gran Canaria’s appearances in the Top 8
| Year | Opponent | Result |
| 2000 | Real Madrid | 0-3 |
| 2003 | Estudiantes | 0-3 |
| 2004 | Barcelona | 1-3 |
| 2005 | Tau Ceramica | 1-3 |
| 2006 | Badalona | 0-3 |
| 2007 | Badalona | 2-3 |
| 2009 | Malaga | 1-2 |
| 2010 | Barcelona | 0-2 |
| 2011 | Caja Laboral | 0-2 |
| 2013 | Laboral Kutxa | 2-1 |
| 2014 | Malaga | 1-2 |
| 2015 | Real Madrid | 0-2 |
| 2016 | Laboral Kutxa | 1-2 |
| 2017 | Baskonia | 1-2 |
| 2018 | Valencia | 2-1 |