By Eurohoops Team/ info@eurohoops.net
European champions, Real Madrid, will kick off the 2023/24 EuroLeague season in Vitoria against Baskonia (06/05) without the assistance of Edy Tavares, Gabriel Deck, and Eli Ndiaye.
Cape Verdean big man Tavares didn’t play last weekend against Barcelona in the ACB League due to respiratory problems and will miss another game.
“He continues his recovery process and will not be available, just like Ndiaye, who had to travel to Senegal and Deck. These are things that happen; that’s the situation now,” head coach Chus Mateo said.
He also confirmed that 16-year-old Ismaila Diagne, who shone in a win against Barcelona, will once again be included with the team.
Real Madrid will begin their title-defending campaign against the revamped Joan Penarroay’s team, led by Marcus Howard, who reportedly agreed to extend his deal with Baskonia until 2026.
“Everyone wants to beat Madrid just because they’re Madrid, that’s how it is. It’s intrinsic to the name of the club. It will be a fierce competition that takes no prisoners; anyone can beat you. It’s as beautiful as it is tough. Baskonia maintains similar principles. They want to defend and run, with Howard as an offensive beacon to generate plays individually. We must start with guarantees,” Mateo concluded.