HLA Alicante arrives with high anticipation this Friday at 8:30pm, as the match kicks off at the Vicente Trueba pavilion in Torrelavega. The Alicante squad travels to Cantabria to begin the 2022-23 LEB Oro season with a squad that looks notably different from the previous year.
The club from Lucentinos heads into a campaign that has started on a strong note after a thorough and productive pre-season. Rafa Monclova’s team closed the regular pre-season with four victories and only one defeat. The vibes around Alicante have been positive, and the squad travels to Torrelavega intent on validating the solid work done during the prior month.
HLA Alicante will bring its full roster to the arena, including the club’s standout player Delaney Blaylock, who has been with the squad for two weeks and is set to be a key contributor right from the opener.
Rafa Monclova, set to coach his first official game with HLA Alicante, expressed confidence in the squad by saying the team is performing well and is ready to begin the fight. The Sevilla native is excited for the start of the season and believes the opening day will be entertaining for everyone involved. The eager coach underscored the readiness of the group for the challenges ahead [press briefing], and his optimism reflects a belief in a competitive path for the club this season.
On the opposing side, Grupo Alega Cantabria stands as one of three teams promoted from LEB Plata and instantly becomes one of the top contenders in the league. The Cantabrians have preserved the core that earned their promotion, aiming to translate success from the prior season into the next level. David Mangas, a coach with extensive FEB experience, will debut as head coach in LEB Oro, bringing a seasoned approach to a team eager to prove itself at a higher tier [team introduction].
“HLA Alicante wants to be the hero of this highly competitive LEB Oro that awaits us”
Fans are reminded of the talent on the court, with players such as Mirza Bulic and Dago Pena, who collectively bring over a decade split between LEB Oro clubs. They join other important contributors like Alo Marín, Fer Sierra, and Walter Junior, forming a roster with depth and experience in the league. The Cantabrian unit has already completed its preseason with win after win, defeating renowned teams including San Pablo Burgos and Bilbao Basket (ACB), an indicator of the high level they are prepared to challenge this season [team performance notes].
Presents HLA credentials
The preparation for the opponent has been matched by a steady resolve from HLA Alicante. Monclova indicated that Cantabria will be a very tough opponent, yet he also stressed confidence in his squad’s ability to display the consistent effort and identity shaped during pre-season. The message centers on showcasing the distinctive style the team has developed in recent weeks and applying it when the ball goes up for the first tip of the campaign [coaching perspective].
The match can be watched on LaLigaSports TV and on the Alacantí TV applications starting at 20:30. The competition opens with HLA aiming to secure a spot in the playoffs. Tonight’s test is against Cantabria, followed by a clash with Albacete on Tuesday and a game at Cáceres on Sunday, setting the early tempo for the season and signaling the level of competition ahead [broadcast notes].
Overall, the early schedule points to a demanding path where HLA Alicante will seek to establish its identity, rally around team chemistry, and translate pre-season momentum into regular-season success. The opening night in Torrelavega marks a pivotal moment as both teams push to lay down early markers for what promises to be a tightly contested season in the league [season preview].