2020-03-30T07:01:56+00:00

2020-03-30T07:01:56+00:00

2020-03-30T07:01:56+00:00.

By Alex Molina/ info@eurohoops.net

Iberostar Tenerife connected itself with the Basketball Champions League right from the launch of FIBA’s premier club competition. The Spanish outlet previously settled for middle-table rankings in the ACB, but through BCL grew. From simply safely remaining in Spain’s top-tier division became a club fighting for the playoffs.

The inaugural 2016-17 Champions League campaign featured Tenerife. The Spanish team topped competition claiming the title with a 63-59 victory against Banvit in the final of 2017 Final Four held at the Santiago Martin. The win clinched an opportunity for the FIBA Intercontinental Cup and the 76-71 triumph over Venezuela’s Guaros de Lara at home lifted Tenerife to one more cup.

After capturing the Basketball Champions League in 2017, the team returned to the final in 2019. The positive impact of this competition rolls beyond achievements representing Spain in club competitions, as its significant improvement in ACB proves.

As a BCL team, Tenerife clinched a playoffs spot in its domestic league every year except for the 2018-19 season and its ninth-place finish. The team’s rise even earned a Copa del Rey participation from 2016-17 to 2019-20.

The worst scenario at the best time

The coronavirus pandemic met Tenerife at what can be the best moment of its history. Positive results are there, but the competitive level of the club, the maturity showed going through its project and ambitious goals to be achieved really demonstrate its progress.

It’s impressive 2019-20 run included being seeded in the Copa del Rey, but a loss to MoraBanc Andorra, 87-85. As well a win away from the BCL quarterfinals and fourth place in ACB with a 14-8 record. It also won its second FIBA Intercontinental Cup last February with an 80-72 victory opposite to Segafredo Virtus Bologna in the final.

Head coach Txus Vidorreta has stated numerous times that the Champions League has been vital for his side. “The Basketball Champions League is very important to us. We are growing doing a great job in the competition.” Its latest solid BCL run had Tenerife among the title favorites until the coronavirus got in the way.

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