Alicante’s talisman and team leader Guillem Belts—wait, the club has announced through its social channels that the HLA Alicante squad will not carry on with him in the LEB Oro lineup next season. This news marks the end of a meaningful chapter for a player who has grown up in the Lucentum youth system and has become one of the most cherished figures among the Alicante supporters. The decision comes as part of the new sports management’s plan, which has yet to include him in its long-term roster for HLA Alicante. After eleven years with the organization, his future with the team now takes a different path, prompting reflection on what his presence has meant to the club and its fans.
Arcos calls it a “great honor” as he reflects on his time with his hometown club on Instagram. He emphasizes that his development went beyond basketball; the experience helped shape his personal growth. The message resonates with many who watched him come up through Lucentum’s ranks and witness him evolve into a captain who led by example on and off the court. The sentiment is clear: this is a goodbye that carries gratitude, not bitterness, and a sense of lasting connection to the city that supported him throughout his career.
Speaking about his captaincy, the player who debuted for the first team seven years ago describes the honor as a privilege. He notes that the badge has always represented more than leadership on the court; it symbolizes belonging to a club that feels like a second home. He adds that he is leaving with the peace of mind that he gave everything for the city he loves, a resolve born from years of dedication and shared memories with teammates, coaches, and fans who stood by him through every win and setback.
Arcos has played 97 matches in the LEB Oro, a milestone he notes with a mix of pride and gratitude. He bids farewell to the Alicante audience, thanking them for their loyalty and support. He stresses that this moment is not a final goodbye but a see-you-later, underscoring the nature of professional sport where transitions are a part of growth and evolution. His words reflect a candid understanding of the sports world: change is inevitable, but the connection with fans can endure beyond a single season or club.
He concludes by reaffirming his stance: this is a professional field, and he accepts it with his head held high. While his statistical achievements may not have exploded in the way some fans hoped, his impact on the team’s culture and emotional resonance with supporters has been significant. The timing of his formal departure coincides with a pivotal meeting that marks the end of a chapter and the opening of a new one—one that follows a long era of contribution to the revival and successes of the Lucentina foundation.
PRE-SEASON STARTS 1 SEPTEMBER
HLA Alicante sets its sights on the upcoming season with the start of pre-season training on 1 September. The club will introduce a coaching staff led by Antonio Pérez Caínzos as it seeks to rebuild and refocus after a deep roster reshuffle. Only Edu Gatell remains from the previous lineup, continuing to provide leadership as the club adds seven new players to the squad.
In the coming days, the Alicante club plans to release the full schedule of summer friendlies. One of the early fixtures is set against UPB Gandía on September 9 at 7:00 pm in Valencia, offering fans a first look at the refreshed roster and new tactical approaches as the team prepares for the league campaign.
HLA Alicante is scheduled to open the league slate on 7 October with an away game against Clavijo at the Alicante Technology Center Riover. The early fixtures are designed to establish new chemistry on the floor and test the squad’s adaptability as they transition into a renewed competitive environment.