The Dutch center of HLA Alicante, Joey Van Zegeren, will be out for several weeks after undergoing surgery for a hand injury. His absence will be felt across the team as the season progresses in LEB Oro.
Van Zegeren sustained an oblique fracture at the base of the fourth metacarpal of his left hand during a practice move. The injury required an operation last Thursday, and the forward is now on the path to rehabilitation. His return is anticipated to be gradual, with the team adapting to life without their key inside presence for a meaningful portion of the campaign.
The injury comes at a sensitive moment for HLA Alicante, who are pressing their late-season hopes to push into the promotional playoffs for a rise to the ACB. The next few days are pivotal as the squad seeks to maximize any remaining opportunities to secure a playoff berth.
The Alicante roster, built around the Dutch big man, also includes British center Aaron Menzies and guards Carlos Noguerol and Pedro Llompart. None of them will travel to Gipuzkoa for this Monday’s game, a clash against a direct rival with the same number of wins as Lucentum, intensifying the importance of every possession on the floor.
Gonzalo Garcia de Vitoria, the HLA Alicante coach, refused to use the injury as an excuse. “We must keep moving forward; there is no other option. This week we trained without the five key players and had to reassemble everything. The players have shown a sturdy attitude. We carry plenty of ambition to advance the game and turn potential problems into strengths.”
A blurry month for HLA
Pedro Rojas
“Our goal is to travel to San Sebastián and compete. That does not mean we don’t want to win. We know it hinges on our ability to compete. We aim to win and have prepared well this week despite the difficulties. Do not expect a long journey; we will go in prepared and with intention,” the Lucentum coach emphasized. He added, “We have all talked. Despite the setbacks, we cannot blame ourselves for anything. The ambition and attitude of the players are strong, and we won’t dwell on what isn’t there or the problems we face. We act with choices, because this is sport and good things can happen.”
Garcia de Vitoria recalled a season with unusual challenges. “The truth is this season has not handed us many favorable days. Four players have left, two of them key to first-team dynamics in EBA, plus what we have in Pitts and Simmons. We must stay positive and find the bright side. Some players will demand more minutes and will receive them; others will adapt to different positions to give us more mobility.” He stressed that surrender is not an option, even as the team confronts tough times, saying, “We won’t lower our arms; we’ll stay focused and resilient.”
Garcia de Vitoria also spoke about the future. “I am calm. This is a medium to long-term project. There have been many changes, and I can handle what comes. If the club decides to appoint another coach at the season’s end, I would accept it, but that’s not on my mind right now. My full focus remains on the team and its needs.”
The Dutch center’s absence will intensify responsibilities for the remaining frontline players as HLA Alicante navigates a challenging stretch. The club remains committed to competing at a high level while managing the roster through this period of adversity and aiming to secure a playoff spot in the LEB Oro standings.