Asisa Joventut Badalona makes its debut in the Copa del Rey this Thursday (6 p.m., DAZN) against Valencia Basket, a host team eager to lift the trophy. Cameron Hunt (Duncanville, 1997) exemplifies better than anyone the ambition of a Joventut Badalona team that wants to repeat the success of 2008, when they were crowned champions with Ricky Rubio.

Despite protests called by pro-Palestinian groups, Joventut Badalona and Israel's Hapoel Holon played their Basketball Champions League match without incident on the fifth matchday. The protest was organized by the platform. Badalona against genocide The protest drew around 150 demonstrators to the gates of the Palau Olímpic, which witnessed the strangest game in its history. No fans were allowed to see Penya's victory in overtime (97-95). The commentary of Víctor Lavagnini (3Cat) and Xavi Ballesteros (Radio Ciutat de Badalona) were the only voices that broke the silence.

The heart of the club is beating strong once again. Joventut has won all five of its home games this season at the Palau Olímpic. The Penya, currently second in the Liga Endesa and leading its group in the Basketball Champions League, is enjoying an exciting start to the season. The return of Ricky Rubio has been the icing on the cake of a project expertly led by Dani Miret, a homegrown coach with a grounded perspective. "To coach Penya, you need to understand the club's unique character. Joventut has an identity rooted in homegrown players. Penya's best years have been led by players developed in our youth system, and that's what sets us apart. The rules of the game have changed, but many of the players who leave will return. And you have a special affection for them because they're the ones who help you explain the culture, transmit the club's DNA, and give you that extra something," he explains.