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Barça Bàsquet changes era with an almost entirely new squad
Barça Bàsquet faces one of its deepest rebuilds in recent years after a trophyless season. The section has accelerated a renewal that leaves the squad almost unrecognisable, with many departures, few continuing players and the pressure to restore hope at the Palau Blaugrana.
The revolution comes after a disappointing season, with changes affecting both the dressing room and the bench. Among the names leaving the club are Nico Laprovittola, Tomas Satoransky, Willy Hernangómez, Youssoupha Fall, Miles Norris, Myles Cale and Juani Marcos, as well as Jan Vesely's retirement. The departure of several leading figures marks the end of a cycle.
The core that remains will have to support the start of the new project. Kevin Punter, Darío Brizuela, Juan Núñez, Toko Shengelia and Joel Parra emerge as important pieces in a squad that still needs to fill many positions before competing again with guarantees in the ACB and EuroLeague.
The first confirmed signing is Olivier Nkamhoua, a 26-year-old, 2.03-metre Finnish power forward arriving from Varese. He signs for two seasons and brings a physical, mobile and competitive profile, with experience in Italy, Germany and the American NCAA.
His arrival points to a clear idea: a tougher, more athletic Barça with more energy in the inside game. After a season in which the team was criticised for a lack of continuity and character at key moments, the sporting management is seeking to change the tone through squad building.
There is uncertainty on the bench as well. The departure of Xavi Pascual, who is leaving for Dubai Basketball, has disrupted part of the plan and forces the club to resolve a key decision. The next coach will not only have to fit in the signings, but also rebuild identity, hierarchies and confidence.
For supporters, the summer is being lived between impatience and the need for signs. The Palau has seen winning cycles, failed projects and great names, but such extensive remodelling raises the level of expectation: if almost everything changes, the new team will soon have to explain where it is headed.
The transformation of Barça basketball is not merely a market operation. It is a response to a season that left sporting wounds and to a section obliged to regain importance in the city. The Palau needs to feel again that each match opens a new chapter, rather than prolonging the disappointment of the previous season.