Dreamland Gran Canaria has confirmed its relegation to LEB Oro after 31 uninterrupted years in the Liga Endesa, marking the end of one of the club's longest spells in the top tier of Spanish basketball. The season has been described as a complete disaster, characterized by sporting performance far below expectations, with only 10 victories in the domestic league and an early exit from the Basketball Champions League (BCL).
The initial season's objective, under coach Jaka Lakovic, was to play faster and with greater physical intensity. However, the new signings did not deliver the expected impact, resulting in a team that lacked competitive rhythm, defensive solidity, and scoring efficiency. The team concludes the Liga Endesa with the lowest scoring average in the championship, just 81.29 points per game, and a worrying reliance on three-pointers, where their 33.2% success rate places them fifteenth.
The loss of their usual home-court advantage at the Gran Canaria Arena also proved to be a decisive factor. The team, presided over by Sitapha Savané, managed only five wins out of seventeen home games, a stark contrast to the fortress that their arena typically represented. This decline at home has contributed to what is considered the darkest year in the club's recent history.
Participation in the FIBA Basketball Champions League (BCL) offered no respite. After a promising first phase, the European competition turned into another fiasco, exemplified by the final home defeat against Czech side ERA Nymburk (82-92). From that point on, the negative momentum intensified, leading to eight consecutive losses in the ACB.
This season has generated significant fan disaffection, with repeated calls for the dismissal of sporting director Willy Villar and president Sitapha Savané, both of whom are under contract until 2027. Crowd attendance has progressively decreased.
Another point of contention has been the delayed payments from the main sponsor, Dreamland. Despite assurances from the club's board that this situation did not affect sporting performance, numerous reports emerged, along with institutional tensions, recalling alleged pending financial aid.
The significant drop in performance from key players such as captain Andrew Albicy, considered a major disappointment, Mike Tobey, and the inconsistent Nico Brussino, coupled with the unsuccessful signings of Kur Kuath, Louis Labeyrie, Eric Vila, and Brandon Jefferson, highlighted the lack of resources to compete effectively in the Liga Endesa.
Faced with growing concern, the board attempted to curb uncertainty by reaffirming Lakovic and Willy García. However, following a home defeat against San Pablo Burgos (95-109), with former yellow coach Porfi Fisac on the opposing bench, the decision was made to dismiss the Slovenian coach.
The team's situation did not improve with the arrival of Argentine coach Néstor García. Emergency signings of Chimezie Metu, Kassius Robertson, and the return of Brandon Jefferson failed to provide the necessary 'shock' to reverse the team's fortunes, ultimately leading them to fight for survival in the final matchday.
Salvation was decided in a dramatic finale. After a heavy defeat in Valencia (105-81), Gran Canaria's fate rested on the outcome between Breogán and Zaragoza. A buzzer-beating three-pointer by Spissu secured permanence for the Zaragoza team, sealing the Canarian team's relegation and underscoring the errors made throughout a season to forget.
