The 2023 Endesa Super Cup reaches its dramatic climax in Murcia, where four teams converge for a three day showdown. The event unfolds across Friday, Saturday, and Sunday inside the refreshed Palacio de los Deportes, turning the arena into a focal point for basketball fans across two countries. Among the contenders, Real Madrid and Barcelona draw the most eyes as the opening semi-final promises a heated duel beginning tomorrow at 18:30.
Barcelona arrives with a high profile influx, backed by a generous budget even as the club trims its costs for the season. Jabari Parker, Willy Hernangómez, Joel Parra, and Darío Brizuela — who has not played since January 2, 2022 after being selected No. 2 in the 2014 draft — were introduced yesterday afternoon. The new coach Roger Grimau aims to emulate the championship posture seen at Real Madrid last season, when a managerial shift helped push the team toward title contention.
Barça prepared for action with a training session at seven o’clock this evening, while Madrid arrived at six o’clock after travelling by AVE and came off their recent league final, a match won decisively by Barça 3-0. Madrid focuses on roster continuity for the 2023-2024 season, welcoming back Argentinian Facundo Campazzo to reinforce the squad rather than pursuing a full overhaul after a narrow title chase in the domestic league. The core group remains intact, supported by veterans such as Sergio Rodríguez and Rudy Fernández, and bolstered by young talents like Edy Tavares, complemented by a strong front line featuring Mario Hezonja, Zanan Musa, Gaby Deck, and Guerschon Yabusele from European competition circuits.
The second semi-final pits UCAM Murcia against Unicaja Málaga, a matchup that stirs local passion and University of Murcia pride. Ibon Navarro brings steady leadership to Malaga, with Kameron assigned to oversee Darío Brizuela’s departure while guiding a team known for consistency. Taylor joined to help ensure Brizuela’s move after their Copa de Rey triumph, and the side advanced to the Champions League semifinals while finishing third in the league standings.
The venue’s execution remains under watch after a cautious preseason. The Andalusian squad posted notable results in the Costa del Sol Tournament last weekend, defeating Covirán Granada, Monbus Obradoiro, Benfica, Bayern Munich, and Real Madrid at the event, signaling potential momentum heading into the Super Cup.
The Endesa Super Cup Fan Zone opens on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., with no official events scheduled at La Redonda on Sunday, the final day. The City Council selected the venue to spotlight Murcia as a dynamic tourist hub, a theme repeatedly noted by observers and local commentators alike.
Fans can expect a lively Saturday that blends sport with festival energy around the arena. La Rendonda becomes a gathering point for supporters of Unicaja, Real Madrid, and Barça, including visitors arriving from other regions who want to join the atmosphere and cheer their teams loudly.
Highlights of the day include a DJ performance and poster distribution for the Endesa Super Cup, with artwork created by Murcian artist Salva Espín. Interactive experiences abound, with virtual reality basketball shooting, UCAM EASport arcade games, and a series of free-throw contests inviting fans to test their accuracy.
Unicaja heads to Murcia without Lima, Sima, and Kravish
Augusto César Lima remains sidelined while continuing treatment for an injury suffered in the clash with UCAM, joined by Yankuba Sima and David Kravish who will not participate in the Super Cup. The club added former university standout Ilimane Diop to strengthen the roster for six weeks. Ibon Navarro also relies on forward Melvin Ejim, back to practice after the World Cup, and guard Kendrick Perry, who sat out a recent Costa Tournament game with an ankle issue.