All eyes are on the 19-year-old Spanish point guard
Valencia fan-favorite Sergio De Larrea faces unique opportunity
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Finding a player beloved by both fans and media is rare in the EuroLeague, but Valencia Basket has one in Sergio De Larrea – affectionately known as “Larry”.
The 19-year-old point guard is set to begin his first full EuroLeague season as a member of Valencia’s senior squad. Though he’s already appeared in three EuroLeague games and played a key role in Valencia’s run to the BKT EuroCup Semifinals and Spanish League Finals last season, this year marks a new chapter.
So what makes Larry so special? To find out, Euroleague.net's Javier Gancedo headed to Roig Arena and asked him directly.
“The connection between players and fans, in my case, is something really beautiful,” Larry said. “Our fans always try to support and encourage me, and I’m very grateful. They’ve shown me love during tough times, and I know they’ll keep doing so.”
Rising through the ranks
De Larrea is the first breakout star to emerge from L'Alqueria del Basket, Valencia’s elite youth academy. He joined the club in summer 2021, initially playing for the second team and in youth competitions. His talent quickly stood out in the NextGen tournaments – at NextGen Belgrade 2023, he averaged 13.5 points, 4.8 rebounds, 6.0 assists, and 3.0 steals across four games. He also made his EuroLeague debut in January 2023, appearing briefly against Anadolu Efes Istanbul.
His success extended to the international stage, where he helped Spain win silver at the 2022 U17 World Cup and gold at the 2023 U19 World Cup. At EuroBasket 2025, a wave of injuries gave Larry the chance to start for Spain, and he delivered – averaging 5.5 points and 4.4 assists.
“It was a great opportunity to learn from different situations and opponents,” he said. “I see it as a positive experience that helped me grow heading into this season.”
Opportunity knocks again
With Jean Montero, Xabi Lopez-Arostegui and Brancou Badio sidelined due to injuries, De Larrea finds himself in a similar position. While he remains team-focused, he’s aware that increased minutes could be a turning point.
“It could be an opportunity, but it all comes down to hard work,” he said. “These situations happen, and you have to be ready. There’s always someone next in line, and we all have to keep showing the level we’ve reached in recent years.”
Learning from the best
Standing tall and athletic, Larry draws comparisons to FC Barcelona’s Tomas Satoransky. But when asked about role models, he quickly credits a former teammate.
“Last year, I learned a lot from Stefan Jovic. We’re similar players and people, and he helped me a lot. He’s definitely one of my references.”
A new era at Roig Arena
Larry embodies everything exciting about Valencia Basket right now. He’s a homegrown talent from L'Alqueria, chose to stay with the club despite NCAA and NBA interest, and now enters the EuroLeague spotlight as Valencia opens its new state-of-the-art Roig Arena.
“I’m really excited – it’s been a dream since I was a kid,” he said. “I debuted in the EuroLeague a couple of years ago, but this is different. Now I’m part of the squad, and I can’t wait to compete in such a high-level league.”
Humble and hungry
Despite the buzz, De Larrea remains grounded. He knows the trust placed in him by the club and fans – and he’s determined to earn it.
“I play the way I know, and I think the team trusts me. I want to repay that confidence, but I also want to keep learning,” he said. “It’s not just young players who grow – everyone can improve. I’m lucky to learn from others and apply it every day.”