Valencia Basket is bracing for a larger-than-expected roster overhaul following their EuroCup semifinal loss to Hapoel Tel Aviv (92-94), which dashed their EuroLeague hopes, according to Encestando. With the new Roig Arena set to open in September, the club is planning significant changes to recover from the season’s setbacks.
At the center of the shake-up is Jean Montero, the 21-year-old Dominican guard whose high buyout clause Hapoel Tel Aviv, the newly crowned EuroCup champions and likely EuroLeague entrants, is prepared to pay. Montero, under contract until 2027, averaged 17.1 points and 5.2 assists in the 2024-25 EuroCup, drawing interest from Fenerbahce and other EuroLeague teams. Hapoel’s owner, Ofer Yannay, expressed admiration for Montero in Gigantes del Basket, offering a long-term deal to secure the young star.
Beyond Montero, players like Chris Jones, Semi Ojeleye, and Jaime Pradilla could also depart, while Matt Costello and Ethan Happ are expected to stay despite Italian interest. Coach Pedro Martínez’s future remains uncertain. Valencia is banking on a EuroLeague wildcard, but competition from Hapoel Tel Aviv, Dubai BC, and Hapoel Jerusalem complicates their path.
