Valencia Basket appoints Xavi Albert, adds signings for 2024‑25

Valencia Basket appoints Xavi Albert and adds key signings

Valencia Basket announced on Monday that Xavi Albert, 36, will take over as head coach for the next two seasons, while the club brings in Rasir Bolton and Czech center Ondrej Hustak to strengthen the perimeter and the paint.

What decisions did Valencia Basket make?

The Valencian club promoted Albert, who had coached the team during the final eleven games of the 2023‑24 season, securing the top seed in the closing stretch. By naming him, Valencia backs a style built around pick‑and‑roll and zone defense. The club also triggered Rasir Bolton's release clause, a 1.90 m point guard from Río Breogán, and signed Ondrej Hustak, a 2.12 m interior from King Szczecin, on a contract through 2028.

Why does this matter for the team's project?

Bolton adds a ball‑handler with strong passing and reliable mid‑range shooting; in the 2025‑26 Liga Endesa he averaged 9.4 points and 3.1 assists per game. Hustak, who posted 10 points and 5 rebounds against Górnik Trans.eu on March 12, provides low‑post stability and improves rebounding defense. With Albert at the helm, the staff keeps the fast‑break and aggressive defensive philosophy that defined the squad under Pedro Martínez.

What are the implications for the ACB?

Valencia Basket enters the upcoming season with a stable core and young reinforcements that address last year’s gaps. The mix of a coach already familiar with the roster and two players with growth potential suggests the club will aim for a playoff return and European qualification spots. Bolton and Hustak also raise the competition at guard and center, forcing rivals like Unicaja and Real Madrid to tweak defensive schemes.

What’s next for Valencia Basket?

The team will start preseason on September 15 with training at the City of Basketball. Albert has already scheduled three‑point shooting drills and transition exercises to sharpen the fast break. Fans can follow the sessions on the club’s official channels, while management hopes to finalize the roster before the transfer deadline on August 30.