By Javier Molero/ info@eurohoops.net
Dreamland Gran Canaria is dreaming big. The Las Palmas-based side is one of the four teams that will compete in the BKT EuroCup Semifinals and, therefore, one of the last survivors of arguably the toughest edition of the competition in recent memory.
On a stage it knows well, Gran Canaria has paved its way to this point with its undeniable style. The fusion of its joyful and effective game, the enthusiasm of the young players and the experience of the veterans has helped the new players who have arrived to fit in and create a core that will be difficult for any team to stop in the EuroCup.
With a 12-6 record in the regular season, and displaying a dominance that recent weeks have not done justice to, Jaka Lakovic’s team has learned its lesson. Gran Canaria finished third in Group A, behind Bahcesehir College Istanbul and Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv (two of the other three semifinalists), but the Spanish side knows better than anyone how to perform in the latter stages and how to approach the most crucial games of the season so far.
Leaving behind rivals of the caliber of Umana Reyer Venice in the eighthfinals and a strong Hapoel Bank Yahav Jerusalem squad that made things difficult in the quarterfinals, Gran Canaria’s morale is sky-high as it hopes to repeat the joy of lifting the EuroLeague trophy, just like it did in 2023.
Confirmation of the winning project
Rising to become champion in 2023, the island already knows what it means to win a championship that costs blood, sweat and tears – the difficult task of rising above the rest and claiming a throne that is in the sights of the 20 participating teams.
With the certainty that this year will not be like the last, and the internal fire to make up for its elimination against Besiktas Fibabanka Istanbul last year, Lakovic’s players promise to show their best. After all, this is their third semifinal play in five seasons, a confirmation of the success of a project that has yet to reach its ceiling.
With just one European title under its belt and a EuroCup final loss to Khimki in 2015, the hunger to win has been ever more increasing as the days, months and years go by. For a team aspiring to being at the top of the table in every competition they compete in and not letting up despite a tight schedule, the strength of the group – as is often the case – is the secret to success.
After its elimination from the Spanish Cup at home and the challenge of competing in the Spanish League, the EuroCup title goal is highlighted in red inside the locker room. This is an opportunity to make it clear in Europe, once again, that no one must forget about the island-based team and the beautiful basketball it has produced over the last decade.
There is only one goal: to win the Eurocup
Analyzing Bahcesehir, Gran Canaria’s semifinal opponent, its individual talent has made it one of the competition’s leading forces. It was there from day one, and with its new additions throughout the season, the Turkish outfit has lived up to expectations. Jaleen Smith, Mateusz Ponitka, and two former NBA players, Furkan Korkmaz and Marko Simonovic, fill out a dream roster for coach Dejan Radonjic.
This group helped their team finish the regular season 14-4 (the second-best record after Valencia‘s 16-2), finishing above Gran Canaria and marking this tie with their previous matchups. Lakovic’s team suffered a hard-fought victory on October 9, in Round 2, just as the campaign began.
In the return fixture, on December 17, with both teams picking up their pace, Bahcesehir dominated in Turkey (73-65) in a spectacular encounter. Simonovic’s influence in the post, Korkmaz’s skills, Smith’s leadership, and, as with the island team, the defensive strength of the group, make Bahcesehir a team to avoid.
For everyone except Gran Canaria, which knows what is coming and is eager to learn every detail of this type of match. Game 1 will be in Turkiye (Tuesday, March 25, 18:00 CET), and Game 2 will take place in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria three days later on the 28th, at 21:00 CET.
If a third match is required in the event that the series is 1-1, the Sinan Erdem Sports Hall in Istanbul will be the venue that will decide the outcome and illuminate the path for one of the two contenders to reach the EuroCup Finals.
Caleb Homesley has a clear path
With the emergence of new faces like Caleb Homesley and George Conditt as vital presences on the court, the Gran Canaria veterans welcomed teammates that would help increase the team’s strengths and explore new offensive horizons. Under the leadership of the tireless Andrew Albicy, supported by John Shurna, who was the 2023 Final Four MVP, and Miquel Salvo and Nico Brussino as seasoned veterans, there are a number of players who can step up and shine.
Those four players are the only four remaining members of the roster that won the 2023 EuroCup title. Experience can play a key role in the most crucial moments of the postseason.
We had a chance to chat with Homesley, the team’s leading scorer who has captivated the Gran Canaria fans. Capable of turning games around with his talent, the North Carolina native is excited ahead of the most important period in his professional career.
Gran Canaria has a close connection with the EuroCup: champions in 2023, semifinalists in 2021… and now back in contention for the trophy. “I think it’s been a tough season, especially with the competition that we had in our group. But I also think that we’re prepared for the semifinals and then ultimately the finals,” Homesley told Eurohoops.
“There are a lot of guys that played in the finals on this team, so they know what it takes to get here. The guys that haven’t played in the finals, we’re gonna follow their lead.”
Looking at its opponent, Bahcesehir is one of the favorites to win the title. “They’re a good team. They’ve been on top of the league the whole year, the whole season. And I do think they’re a different team now. Especially from the first time that we played them and we beat them at home,” the forward commented.
“I think it’s going to be a good matchup because in the finals and semifinals, whatever it is, it’s always a different game. It’s always a tough game. It’s going to be tough, but I think it’s going to be good for us.”
Homesley is in one of the best moments of his career, being a fundamental part of Gran Canaria’s offense. “I’ve been feeling good, I’ve kind of bought into what Jaka wants and that’s ultimately what you have to do as a player,” he said about his role.
“You have to adapt to what the system is, what the coach is. I think that now. Later in the season, I figured out exactly what my role is and I think it’s helping me and helping the team succeed.”
After playing in Germany, Turkiye and Russia, he landed on the island of Gran Canaria, an atypical place that, as he told Eurohoops, he loves. “I love the island. I love the weather, my family loves it, so it’s good,” Homesley said.
Expectations are high, but the goal seems clear: to win the EuroCup. “We want to win the final in the EuroCup, for sure. We want to become champions. I think that’s our ultimate goal. And then also just compete for the ACB playoffs,” he answered.