Barça has decided to trust Xevi Pujol and Aleksander Sekulic to revive the basketball section. The club will relocate Joan Carles Navarro, who still has two more years of contract, but the former player no longer participates in strategic decisions. The idea of the Culer entity is to rejuvenate the project and look for a style of players who can develop a more modern and dynamic style of play.

After 23 seasons in the NBA, LeBron James faces his most difficult decision. The King, who will not continue playing for the Los Angeles Lakers, is looking for a new team with which to achieve his fifth NBA championship ring. The 41-year-old forward is one of the few players who can stand up to Michael Jordan in the debate about the greatest player of all time. His status as a free agent will allow him to choose the jersey he will wear in what will surely be his farewell season in the NBA. The Golden State Warriors, the Cleveland Cavaliers, the Philadelphia 76ers, the Miami Heat, and the Minnesota Timberwolves are some of the franchises that dream of signing him. Each has its own narrative. Some have a better chance of fighting for the championship ring, while others have an emotional factor.For years his salary was prohibitive for most teams. Last season, he earned $52.6 million (about 46.1 million euros) with the Lakers. But now the player is willing to play for the veteran minimum salary, and therefore, money will carry less weight in competitive possibilities.James dominated the NBA between 2011 and 2018, when he played eight consecutive finals. His titles with the Miami Heat (2012 and 2013), the Cleveland Cavaliers (2016), and the Los Angeles Lakers (2020) placed him among the greatest players of all time, a distinction that has been fueled by his individual records. LeBron surpassed Kareem Abdul-Jabbar as the all-time leading scorer.Even though he is far from his best version, LeBron James continues to be a differential player, as he combines the competitive voracity of Kobe Bryant with an altruism that he had parked during the first years of his professional career. Last season he averaged 20.9 points, 7.2 assists, and 6.1 rebounds. The Lakers, rebuilt

After the announcement that LeBron James will not play in Los Angeles, the Lakers used their freed-up salary cap to close four signings worth $261 million (approximately 228.5 million euros): Walker Kessler, Quentin Grimes, Sandro Mamukelashvili, and Collin Sexton. The additions are meant to complete a project led by Austin Reaves and, above all, Luka Doncic. “It was a true honor to wear the Lakers colors while trying to continue the greatness and legacy of those who came before me,” James said.

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"They will go crazy." Kevin Punter opened Pandora's box with an enigmatic message on social media. A few weeks after Moses Wright announced he had signed for Barça, the center plans to pay his release clause to avoid putting on the blaugrana team's jersey. As journalist Víctor Lavagnini (TV3) explains, the good relationship with Mike James, the player who threatens to take the blaugrana club to court for breaching his pre-contract, has been key for the former Zalgiris player to have doubts about the culé project.

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On July 9, 1951, 75 years ago, the Harlem Globetrotters visited Catalonia for the first time with a game that gathered 12,000 spectators at the Pavelló de l’Esport on Llançà street in Barcelona. A testament to the event's significance was the presence in the box of José Ibáñez Martín, Minister of National Education, and Felipe Acedo Colunga, civil governor.“Rarely will we see glimpses of their hilarious exhibition again, a basketball as perfect as the one Abe Saperstein's negroes offered us,” explained the article that Mundo Deportivo published two days later, on July 11. A few weeks earlier, the sports newspaper had advertised the Harlem Globetrotters as “the negroes of the No-Do”.The invited rival of the day were the Boston Wirlwinds, who lost against the Harlem Globetrotters (47-44). Before this exhibition, another friendly match was played in which the Catalan team lost against Sewanee University (46-40).

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A study conducted with 228 basketball players warns that menstrual cycle alterations are prevalent among elite athletes and that this can affect both their well-being and their performance. The collective research, carried out by Pilar Crespo, Nuria Herranz, Víctor Estella, Esther Morencos, María Herranz, and Gil Roda, head of the medical area of the Barça Innovation Hub, concludes that more research is needed to better understand the impact on athletes' quality of life, performance, and susceptibility to injuries.More than three-quarters of the players surveyed reported dysmenorrhea (86.8%) and premenstrual syndrome (77.6%). In addition, more than half of the athletes stated they had heavy menstrual bleeding during menstruation and a quarter of the players included in the study reported having had amenorrhea at some point in their menstrual life.Previous research had shown how menstruation-related symptoms, such as abdominal cramps, tiredness, or fatigue, can limit players' training capacity, but the specific characteristics of the menstrual cycle and its relationship with performance, well-being, and injuries in athletes are not well understood. This cross-sectional study aimed to better understand the characteristics of the menstrual cycle (menarche, length, dysmenorrhea, amenorrhea, etc.) and the use of hormonal contraceptives among elite basketball players.More than 70% of women experience symptoms such as mood swings, fatigue, and physical discomfort during the premenstrual phase. In addition, most suffer from primary dysmenorrhea, intense and debilitating pain. Half of the women also report intense cramps, nausea, or headaches. To avoid these types of discomfort during important moments of the season, it is not unusual for female athletes to resort to hormonal contraceptives, as they help control the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome, dysmenorrhea, and other conditions. Pills suppress ovulation and reduce the thickness of the endometrium, which decreases prostaglandin production and, consequently, uterine contractions and menstrual pain. The problem is the side effects; weight changes and breast tenderness and pain. A quarter of the study participants reported using hormonal contraceptives. The most used (23.2%) was the oral pill.The researchers' conclusion is that more research and preventive and healthcare measures are needed for female athletes, because the prevalence of menstrual symptoms is high, cycle alterations are relatively frequent and can affect performance and increase injury risk. And it is especially relevant that many players do not have regular medical check-ups.Studies designed for men

As Raúl Medina, co-founder of Drop It, warns, there is a deficit in the control of women's health in sports. “80% or 90% of sports studies are conducted excluding female physiology and, therefore, training advice is given with men's hormonal bases in mind. Many studies tell women that they have to train like men. This, fortunately, is changing, because otherwise the results are not optimal,” he says.

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As reported by 'Mundo Deportivo', Mike James does not accept Barça's retraction and threatens to take the Catalan club to court. The AS Monaco player signed a contract with the Catalan club, but the Culer entity wanted to retract the decision when they learned that Xavi Pascual would leave Barcelona. The coach from Gavà, who will pay his termination clause to move to Dubai Basket, was the main advocate for the North American player.

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A desperate Real Madrid, after closing a season in which they have spent more money in their history than ever before, has decided to make a surprising change of course. The white club will dismiss Sergio Scariolo and pay the one-million-euro termination clause to sign Pedro Martínez, the Catalan coach who has just led Valencia Basket to the ACB League title. Florentino Pérez has promised him a contract until 2029.

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The Catalan team has been left with honey on its lips against Great Britain (74-76), a much more seasoned opponent that is preparing to play the World Cup qualifying matches. Lluís Costa missed the final three-pointer that would have given victory to the team coached by Jaume Ponsarnau, who had a very complete game at the Nou Congost.

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Three years without titles. The Barça basketball team closed the centenary year with a new disappointment against Valencia Basket (84-108). The Barça team could not compete against a project as well conceived as it was trained. Jean Montero, an MVP of only 22 years who left applauded, and Kam Taylor once again excelled in the tactical proposal of the Catalan Pedro Martínez, who managed to add Omari Moore to the party. The orange team won their second ACB League trophy. The feeling of local powerlessness was very painful. Surrender was the only dignified way out possible.The night, which did not count on the presence of Joan Laporta, who is already thinking about redesigning the section, saw some very emotional farewells. That of Xavi Pascual, who is leaving the project; that of Jan Vesely, who is retiring; that of Nico Laprovittola and Tomás Satoransky, without a renewal offer, that of Carles Cascante, who is changing roles within the club, and that of Xavier Saisó, the legendary journalist from Ràdio Barcelona, who is retiring."Valencia Basket was much better than us. We wanted to finish in a better way, but it wasn't possible. We played at the limit of our possibilities, but it wasn't enough for us. We didn't lack work and sacrifice," analyzed Xavi Pascual. The coach left Juan Núñez and Miles Norris out of the squad. Barça ended up as exhausted as they were annoyed with the refereeing of Antonio Conde, Martín Caballero, and Alfonso Olivares."

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Cruel night at the Palau Blaugrana. Barça wasn't enough with an unbelievable comeback to beat Valencia Basket (80-88). After recovering an 18-point deficit, the Catalan team ran out of energy to finish the job. The faith of the Culer squad went unrewarded on the night they deserved it most. Without a good game from Kevin Punter and Will Clyburn, the locals were left on the ropes (2-1).

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Despair has reached the white house. After Florentino Pérez rescued Juan Carlos Sánchez to lead Real Madrid's basketball section, Sergio Rodríguez announced his resignation on social media. The former player, until now sports director, does not want to work with someone he does not get along with. "After deep reflection, this afternoon I have informed the president of my decision to put an end to my time at the head of the sports management of our basketball section. I have sincerely thanked him for the opportunity and the trust he has placed in me during this season," he said.Rodríguez, who has tried to modernize the section, has paid for a season without titles. Valencia Basket prevented him from lifting the Supercopa Endesa, Kosner Baskonia left him without the Copa del Rey, and Olympiacos prevented his success in the Euroleague. "I have enjoyed every moment with passion, with the vision of building a stronger, more sustainable, and professional section, in an increasingly challenging context," Rodríguez has acknowledged.Despite having a budget much higher than its domestic rivals, Sergio Scariolo's Madrid has not achieved the expected results, and the team was left without competing in the ACB League semifinals. "I leave with pride in the work done, with great learnings, and with the satisfaction of having found a profession that I am passionate about," summarizes Rodríguez, who has a very difficult relationship with Sánchez, which stems from his time as a player.Martynas Pocius and Paco Robles, Chacho's two main advisors, will also not continue at Madrid, which plans to strengthen its structure with Rudy Fernández. Florentino Pérez's shake-up arrives at a very delicate moment, as it will affect the planning for next season. The club travels to the past to try to regain lost prestige. The future of Sergio Scariolo, who has the president's confidence, will be one of the first strategic decisions.

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Not every day is Sunday. Barça could not repeat Thursday's comeback and lost against Valencia Basket (102-75). The orange team, which managed to lead by 36 points, tied the final with a collective exhibition (1-1). Kevin Punter, who was disqualified, and Will Clyburn, two of the great references of the blaugrana squad, ended up frustrated by the defensive variations designed by Pedro Martínez. Between the two of them, they only managed to score 4 points.

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Great game at the Roig Arena. After recovering from a 14-point deficit, Barça beat Valencia Basket in overtime in one of the best games ever seen in the ACB League finals (112-113). The Catalan team, which achieved the record for three-pointers in a play-off (19), went from less to more on a night when veterans Will Clyburn and Nico Laprovittola became the Barça heroes.

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After two years of absence, Barça will once again compete in the Endesa League final. The Blaugrana team overcame a 14-point deficit against La Laguna Tenerife (76-85) and secured their qualification in a swift manner (3-0). Will Clyburn's second half, after only scoring two free throws in the first 20 minutes, was decisive. The forward scored 19 points with two three-pointers at the most delicate moment. "Playing the final and qualifying to compete in the Supercopa is a double prize," said Xavi Pascual. "We played a good game, but Barça is intractable," acknowledged Txus Vidorreta.

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After the victory against Füchse Berlin (37-34), Barça now has 50 Champions League titles, which is no small feat. The handball team's 13th title is added to those of roller hockey (22), men's football (5), women's football (4), futsal (4), and basketball (2). A Barça full of La Masia players, who displayed a handful of Catalan flags during the celebration, had to overcome inconsistent refereeing and a well-prepared opponent to lift the title in the final four in Cologne, where the Catalan team showed the best of its versions. The title was very emotional, as many of the Culer heroes will leave the project. Some could not hold back tears. Rafa Yuste and Joan Laporta, who could not help but cry, witnessed the historic achievement live.

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Asisa Joventut's season ended with applause from fans proud of their performance. La Penya lost to a much superior Valencia Basket (75-87) and was eliminated from the title race (3-0). Hampered by their low three-point shooting percentages, La Penya fell short of points and was not enough with a good performance from Ricky Rubio, who couldn't hold back tears, and Jabari Parker. "I gave my all, we made a brutal effort. We've built a team to be proud of and that's what we'll take away. We competed and showed a good image, but we ran out of steam," explained Dani Miret. The orange team will play the final against Barça.

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Barça once again beat La Laguna Tenerife (97-89) and is now one victory away from the final (2-0). The Barça team sweated more than on Tuesday to get rid of a rival that reached the last eight minutes with the score tied. The island team was not enough with Patty Mills' performance, who scored 36 points, nor with Txus Vidorreta's, who forced his disqualification to spring a surprise at the Palau, where Joan Laporta witnessed the culé triumph live.

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Memorable night with a cruel ending. An Asisa Joventut, as brave as they were consistent, opened the semifinals with an overtime loss against Valencia Basket (118-117). Cameron Hunt missed the decisive shot and La Penya did not complete a feat they deserved more than ever. The green-and-black team scored 18 three-pointers at the Roig Arena, where the good game from Ricky Rubio and Jabari Parker went unrewarded. "We played a great game, but we didn't get the prize," said Dani Miret. "La Penya played an impressive game, but we managed to force overtime and get the win," acknowledged Pedro Martínez.

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After two years absent from the final, Barça does not want to watch the fight for the Liga Endesa title on television again. The blaugrana team opened the semifinals with a resounding victory against La Laguna Tenerife (100-67). The Catalan team imposed its rhythm thanks to an elite defense and dominance on the rebound. Good shooting percentages also helped. While they decide how to restructure the section, Rafa Yuste and Joan Laporta presided over the box seats of a Palau Blaugrana with less public than a semifinal deserves (4,571 spectators).

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The more mature version of Asisa Joventut eliminated Kosner Baskonia in the decisive quarter-final match (88-96). La Penya took advantage of their accuracy in outside shooting to book their ticket to play in the ACB League semi-finals, where Valencia Basket already awaits. Dani Miret's brave proposal paid off in Vitoria, where Ricky Rubio, Ludde Hakanson, Simon Birgander, and Jabari Parker put on a show. "We had to play an excellent game and we did," said the coach. The game had the tension and fight that the final stretch of the second match hinted at.the final stretch of the second match.

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