Hansel Atencia’s brief stint with Real Betis Baloncesto has come too an end after a planned one-month contract. The Spanish-Colombian point guard joined the team on December 19 as a temporary replacement while Sasha Cvetkovic recovered from an injury. On January 20, the club officially announced the conclusion of their agreement, expressing gratitude for Atencia’s “professionalism and dedication” and wishing him “continued success in his future endeavors.”
During his time with Betis Basketball, Atencia participated in five Liga FEB matches, averaging nearly 12 minutes per game and contributing 3.8 points. His debut took place on December 20 against Orense, followed by appearances in victories against CB Naturavia Morón, Caja Rural Zamora, and Hestia Menorca. He also played in the recent loss at the Fernando Martín pavilion, which marked Cvetkovic’s return to the court after recovering from a grade two ankle sprain sustained on December 15 during a match against Real Valladolid. Interestingly, Atencia had previously faced Betis while playing for Valladolid, just before joining the green-and-white squad under an EBA team contract.
Atencia also represented Betis in the Spanish Cup quarterfinals against alimerka Oviedo, bringing his total appearances to seven games in just one month. His standout performance came during the first leg against Oviedo, where he scored a season-high ten points. However, with Cvetkovic’s return, Atencia’s role was no longer needed. This departure, coupled with Pablo marín’s move to Lobe Huesca la Magia, has left Betis with only two point guards on their roster. The team now faces the challenge of adjusting their lineup ahead of the Spanish Cup Final Four in Burgos.
Unless there are last-minute signings, Betis Baloncesto will head to the Final four with their current squad, minus Atencia. The team is also managing injuries to key players. DeBisschop, who suffered a meniscus fracture in his right knee during the Orense match, is gradually returning to non-contact training.meanwhile, alex Suarez remains sidelined with a partial tear of the plantar fascia in his right foot, an injury he sustained in late November. To address these absences, the club signed Tunde, who made his debut in Fuenlabrada with four points and three rebounds in 18 minutes.
Upcoming Spanish Cup Matches
the team’s performance in the coming days will depend on how their injured players progress. DeBisschop is expected to return soon, providing a much-needed boost. Betis Baloncesto is set to compete for the Spanish Cup title this weekend. On Friday, january 24, at 5:30 p.m., they will face Monbús Obradoiro in the semifinals. A victory would advance them to the final on Saturday, January 25, at 7:00 p.m.,where they would meet the winner of the Odilo Cartagena vs. san Pablo burgos match.
Hansel Atencia’s short-lived tenure with Real Betis Baloncesto has officially concluded, marking the end of a planned one-month contract. The Spanish-Colombian point guard, who joined the team on December 19, was brought in as a temporary solution to fill the void left by Sasha Cvetkovic, who was sidelined due to injury.On January 20, Real Betis officially announced the end of their agreement with Atencia, signaling the completion of his role as a stopgap player.
Atencia’s arrival was a strategic move by Real Betis to maintain stability and depth in their roster during a critical period. His experience and skill set provided the team with a reliable option at the point guard position, ensuring that the absence of cvetkovic did not disrupt the team’s rhythm. Though,with Cvetkovic’s recovery now complete,Atencia’s services were no longer required,and the club has opted to part ways with the veteran guard.
This type of short-term arrangement is not uncommon in professional sports, particularly in basketball, where injuries can create immediate needs for experienced players. Atencia’s professionalism and adaptability during his time with real Betis likely left a positive impression on the team and its fans, even if his stay was brief.
As Atencia moves on to the next chapter of his career,Real Betis will look to build on the momentum gained during this period,with Cvetkovic back in the lineup. The club’s ability to navigate the challenges posed by injuries and roster changes will be crucial as they aim to achieve their goals for the season.
Hansel Atencia’s stint with Real Betis Baloncesto, though short, served its purpose effectively. His contribution during a critical time highlights the importance of having versatile and experienced players who can step in when needed. As the season progresses, both Atencia and Real Betis will be looking ahead to new opportunities and challenges.
