You’ve probably seen the highlights. A tiny island in the middle of the Atlantic, closer to the coast of Africa than to mainland Europe, somehow consistently produces one of the most dangerous basketball teams in the world. CB Gran Canaria, or "Granca" as the locals call them, isn't just a mid-tier Spanish club. They are a legitimate powerhouse that has spent the last decade making life miserable for the giants of the Liga Endesa and European basketball.
Honestly, it shouldn't work. The travel alone is a nightmare. Every other week, these players are hopping on four-hour flights just to play a road game in Madrid or Barcelona. Yet, here we are in 2026, and the "Dreamland" (their current sponsor name) is still a place where giants come to die.
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The 2025-26 Season: A Changing of the Guard
This year feels a bit different. If you haven't been keeping up, CB Gran Canaria made a massive strategic pivot recently. After years of being a fixture in the EuroCup—even winning the whole thing in 2023—the club decided to move over to the Basketball Champions League (BCL) for the 2025-26 campaign.
It was a move that sparked plenty of debate among the "Amarillos" faithful. Some saw it as a step back, but the club management was clear: they wanted a competition that offered better financial stability and a more sustainable travel schedule.
So far? It's looking like a masterstroke. Under the steady hand of head coach Jaka Lakovic, the team has been absolutely dominant in Europe. As of mid-January 2026, they’re sitting on a perfect 6-0 record in the BCL group stages. Lakovic, who recently extended his contract through 2027, has built a roster that is basically a headache for any defensive coordinator.
Who’s Carrying the Load?
If you're looking at the box scores, one name jumps out immediately: Isaiah Wong. The American point guard has been a revelation, leading the team with about 13 points per game in the domestic league and even more in European play. He’s got that "it" factor—the ability to create his own shot when the shot clock is winding down and everyone else is static.
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But this isn't a one-man show. You've got:
- Nicolas Brussino: The Argentine veteran is the heart of the team. He’s averaging roughly 11 points and 4 rebounds, but his value is in those clutch three-pointers that deflate opposing runs.
- Andrew Albicy: Still one of the best on-ball defenders in Europe. The French guard is dishing out nearly 6 assists per game in the BCL and remains the emotional leader on the floor.
- Mike Tobey: Providing the veteran size in the paint. He’s currently the team's leading rebounder, pulling down over 5 boards a night.
- Kur Kuath: The South Sudanese big man is a human pogo stick. He’s averaging nearly 2 blocks a game, making the Gran Canaria Arena a "no-fly zone."
What Most People Get Wrong About the "Granca" Home Court
People talk about the "altitude" in Denver or the "crowd" in Belgrade. For CB Gran Canaria, the advantage is the Gran Canaria Arena. It's an 11,500-seat beast that feels like an NBA arena dropped onto a volcanic island.
But it’s not just the distance. It’s the "Clap." If you’ve ever been there during a big game against Real Madrid or a BCL playoff match, the atmosphere is suffocating. They have this "Viking Clap" tradition and a drum section that literally makes the floor vibrate.
Wait, I should mention something specific. A lot of casual fans think the travel only hurts the visiting teams. Not true. The Granca players are the ones living out of suitcases more than anyone else in the league. The fact that they stay competitive in the Liga Endesa—where they are currently hovering around the playoff spots with a 6-7 record—is actually a minor miracle.
The EuroLeague Elephant in the Room
We have to talk about what happened after they won the EuroCup in 2023. They won the trophy, earned the right to play in the EuroLeague (the undisputed top tier of European basketball), and then... they said no.
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It was a heartbreaking decision for fans. Essentially, the club looked at the numbers and realized that the grueling 34-game EuroLeague schedule, combined with the travel from the Canary Islands, would have likely bankrupted the team or destroyed the players' bodies. They chose long-term survival over short-term glory.
Some called it "small-club mentality." I’d argue it was the most professional thing they could have done. It’s why the club is still healthy and winning today while other historic teams are facing financial ruin.
Why CB Gran Canaria Still Matters
In a world where basketball is increasingly dominated by a few massive "super-clubs" with football-level budgets, Granca represents the middle class that refuses to go away. They focus on scouting—finding guys like Braian Angola or Ziga Samar—and coaching them into a cohesive unit.
The club’s history, starting from its roots in the Claret School back in the 60s, is built on this identity of being the "underdog from the islands." They aren't trying to be Real Madrid. They are trying to be the best version of themselves.
What to Watch for Next
If you're following the team this season, keep an eye on these three things:
- The BCL Knockouts: Can they parlay that 6-0 start into a trophy? They are currently the favorites alongside teams like Unicaja.
- The Copa del Rey Race: The Spanish Cup is the most exciting weekend in basketball. Granca is fighting for a seed, and they are always a "bracket buster" in that tournament.
- Carlos Alocén's Evolution: The young Spanish guard is a project player who could be the next big star to come through the island system.
Actionable Insights for Fans
- Going to a game? Don't stay in the touristy south (Maspalomas) if you're only there for hoops. Stay in Las Palmas. The arena is in the Siete Palmas neighborhood, and you'll want to be around the local "amarillo" bars before tip-off.
- Buying Merch: The official shop at the arena is the best spot, but check the local department stores (El Corte Inglés) in Las Palmas; they often carry the Adidas kits when the arena shop sells out.
- Following Stats: Don't just look at points. This team lives and dies by their three-point percentage and defensive deflections. If Albicy and Brussino are active in the passing lanes, Granca usually wins.
The story of CB Gran Canaria is far from over. Whether they are hoisting a BCL trophy this May or just continuing to be the team nobody wants to visit on a Tuesday night, they remain the most fascinating geographical anomaly in professional sports.
Practical Next Steps: If you are planning to attend a game at the Gran Canaria Arena, check the official Liga Endesa website at least three weeks in advance. Tickets for high-profile games against Barca or Madrid sell out quickly, but BCL midweek games often have "last minute" deals for students and residents.