Badalona was celebrating again after 18 years, with Nicolás Laprovittola at the centre of Joventut’s Supercopa triumph and Barcelona left to confront a painful decision from its recent past. Against the club that released him following two serious injuries in successive seasons, the Argentine guard delivered a final that turned the local arena into a festival.
A former Barcelona player decides the final
Laprovittola dismantled Barcelona with a remarkable shooting display, making nine three-pointers and scoring 31 points in only 22 minutes on court. He also supplied seven assists, combining long-range accuracy with the control that made him Joventut’s leading figure on the night.
- 31 points for Laprovittola in the Supercopa final.
- Nine successful three-point shots.
- Seven assists.
- Only 22 minutes played.
- A first major celebration in Badalona for 18 years.
The performance came against his former team, adding another layer to a night that exposed Barcelona’s summer rebuild. Laprovittola had not been offered even a reduced renewal after the club concluded that his physical problems meant he could no longer make the necessary contribution.
Barcelona’s rebuild under scrutiny
Barcelona’s overhaul brought 12 departures, but the decision to let Laprovittola go now looks especially costly. The guard was treated as one of the players to be moved on, yet his display for Joventut suggested that a difference-making talent had been discarded during a sweeping transition.
Those responsible for the reshaping of the squad were present for the final. Xevi Pujol watched from courtside, while Juan Carlos Navarro and Mario Fernández were in the stands as Laprovittola punished Barcelona from beyond the arc.
There are further questions around the new group. Evbuomwan and Makoundou are still waiting to make their debuts, while Robinson and Martin have the individual quality to win games. For the moment, however, last season’s holdovers Joel Parra and Kevin Punter remain the side’s most dependable performers.
Late recruitment and missed targets
The criticism of Barcelona’s construction extends beyond the departure of Laprovittola. Aíto García Reneses, who has coached both Joventut and Barcelona, offered a concise assessment of the club’s work: “They recruited late, including the coach.”
Several preferred options escaped Barcelona’s reach, including players the club had believed were already secured.
- Mike James
- Moses Wright
- Timothé Luwawu-Cabarrot
For Joventut, the Supercopa belonged to a familiar name finding a new home in Badalona. For Barcelona, the final became an uncomfortable reminder that rebuilding a squad can mean losing the player capable of deciding the biggest night.
