Andrew Albicy played his first game for Gran Canaria since Round 4 and his impact, which was felt immediately, makes the team stronger going forward.
Albicy's return gave Gran Canaria another boost
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Herbalife Gran Canaria was already leading Group B of the 7DAYS EuroCup and showing that it has what it takes to challenge for the title. And then the Spanish team received a major boost in its chances as a former All-EuroCup guard returned to the lineup.
Andrew Albicy collected 4 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assist, 1 steal and 5 fouls drawn for a performance index rating of 11 in Gran Canaria’s 81-62 victory over Promitheas Patras. It was the 31-year-old playmaker’s first game since playing in Round 4. And the Frenchman’s return should strike some fear into the team’s competitors.
The diminutive playmaker averaged 5.8 points, 7.5 assists, 2.5 steals and 14 PIR in the first four rounds of the EuroCup - three of those games ending with Gran Canaria wins. He went down with a hamstring injury in the Spanish League on November 13 and re-aggravated the injury later that month and had not played until the Promitheas game.
Albicy was not really needed against the Greek side for his scoring and Coach Porfi Fisac could slowly work him back into the mix. But it is clear what the veteran can do.
Albicy, who will turn 32 in late March, was a 2018-19 All-EuroCup First Teamer with MoraBanc Andorra. He also helped France win the silver medal at the 2020 Olympic Games and 2011 FIBA EuroBasket as well as bronze at the 2019 FIBA Basketball World Cup.
Perhaps most importantly, he provides stability to the Gran Canaria backcourt. Dylan Ennis is a thrilling whirlwind able to produce fantastic results at his magnificent up-tempo game. But having Albicy besides him will help in set plays while also allowing AJ Slaughter to return to his backup role after the 34-year-old started four of the five games he played while Albicy was out. Albicy’s return will also mean Chris Kramer has to help out less on the playmaking role and focus more on his scoring and defense.
The Albicy comeback will not only impact the backcourt, but it can also have a big effect on the development of Khalifa Diop. The emerging 20-year-old big man scored a season-high 11 points and posted a season-best 17 PIR in nearly 19 minutes against Promitheas as he helped fill in the shoes of injured big man John Shurna. The more Diop plays with a veteran playmaker like Albicy, the better he can become.
Add it all up and Gran Canaria got a lot better in Round 11 thanks to the return of one of its leaders.