Neal Sako, introduced as new taronja player at KGM Autopista Sur

French international center Neal Sako (2.10m, Aubergenville, 13/08/1998, 26 years old) was presented this morning as a new Valencia Basket player for the next two seasons, until June 30, 2027, in an event held at the KGM dealership located at Avenida Ausiàs March, 186 in Valencia.

Neal Sako arrives from LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne, where he made his EuroLeague debut this season, playing 33 games, 27 of them as a starter, averaging 9 points and 6.2 rebounds (seventh-best in the competition) for a performance index rating of 12.4. One area in which he particularly stood out in his debut at the highest continental level was offensive rebounding, ranking as the second-best player in offensive boards captured (2.7) with 16.5% of available offensive rebounds fought for and secured. Last season, he also made his debut with the French senior national team during the qualification windows for EuroBasket 2025, contributing to two wins against Croatia and Bosnia in February.

In his first remarks, Neal Sako dared to speak in Spanish, saying he was “very happy to be at Valencia Basket. I liked the first games. I like the pace that the coach wants us to play with. A very fast game, I like running the court. So it’s a style that suits me very well. I’m happy to be on a team that plays like us.”

KGM Autopista Sur, event sponsor

Jesús Cano, manager of Grupo Cano, acted as the representative of the company sponsoring this morning’s event and began the speeches by recalling: “When we started the first year, we didn’t know how long we were going to last, but we’re still here and the idea is to continue for many years. Sometimes, when you look at things from the outside, they seem one way, and from the inside, they’re another. With Valencia Basket it’s not just about publicity or providing services, we have a very good relationship. I can guarantee you that the values behind the Culture of Effort really exist and that this is more than just a sports club. We’ve been through some difficult circumstances, and it’s a pleasure when there is empathy.”

For his part, Valencia Basket’s general manager, Enric Carbonell, highlighted: “This is the third season we’ve been together, the second with KGM. As everyone can see, there’s no doubt the cars are on par with the players—never a more fitting expression. If there’s a company that suffered the consequences of the dana (storm), it was Autopista Sur. And I want to recall what we experienced together. Jesús came to us so we could empathize with him, to ask for help. And of course, as a club, we were at your disposal. But what I want to share is what happened next. I don’t think even a month had passed when you called me again and said everything was fixed and that you would continue providing us with excellent service. For us, for the team, for the club, you’ve been an example—of how you didn’t give up, of how you overcame difficulties. And honestly, it’s a source of pride for us to be here again today.”

In this second player presentation event, the taronja general manager gave Jesús Cano a sign with the message “Benvinguts a la nostra nova casa” (Welcome to our new home) and the names of KGM and Valencia Basket, symbolizing the partnership between the two entities.

Neal Sako, a new chapter in taronja

Enric Carbonell then continued his speech by welcoming Neal Sako to Valencia Basket and noting: “We’ve already played two preseason games, and you’ve already seen what Neal can bring us. He’s a player who fits very well with what our coach asks from our fives. He can run the floor, defend the pick-and-roll the way we like to, and he’s going to give us a strong presence near the rim. There are players we like and have been following. Last season we were already in talks, but it didn’t happen. This year we were lucky enough to sign him for two seasons. And we believe he’s a player who can stay with us for many years, not only because of how well he fits our style, but above all because of who he is as a person. In the new Arena, from the offices, we can see the practice court. If practice starts at 11, I peek out a little after 10 and Neal is already working every day. That’s something we don’t ask for, but he brings it, and those are the players we want.”

The French center added: “Many people who know the city of Valencia and the Club have told me a lot of things. I know Louis Labeyrie, who played here for four years. Everyone has told me it’s a great city and a very professional organization. And so far, I think everything they told me is true.”