Neuquén Independiente Makes a Splash wiht Veteran Signing
The off-season in regional basketball is heating up,adn Neuquén Independiente has made a notable move to bolster their roster for the 2025 Federal Basketball league season. The club announced the signing of veteran forward Marcelo Piuma, a familiar face in the region who joins from Olimpo de Bahía Blanca.
Piuma, who wears the number “10,” is the second reinforcement for Independiente, following the confirmation of Francisco Gonzalez, another player returning to the area.
At 40 years old, Piuma remains a force on the court. His deadly mid-range and long-distance shooting, combined with his physical dominance, have made him a key contributor for every team he’s played for.
Piuma’s resume is impressive. He was instrumental in the success of Plottier Spanish Center, helping them reach the Federal Tournament and Argentine League in 2016 and 2017, respectively. He also played a pivotal role in Jachal of san Juan’s championship run in the 2021 Federal League.
Most recently, Piuma showcased his skills with Olimpo de Bahía Blanca, a team with a rich history in the Federal League. Notably, Olimpo won the Federal League in 2015, the same year Piuma joined the team. This past season, they were finalists in the highly competitive local tournament in Bahía Blanca, a testament to the quality and prestige of the league.
A Competitive Patagonian Zone
With the addition of experienced players like Piuma and Gonzalez,along with other anticipated moves,the Patagonian zone of the Federal Basketball League is shaping up to be incredibly competitive.
Perfora has retained its core group of five key players and is actively seeking further reinforcements. Deportivo Roca, another strong contender, has also made significant additions during the off-season, bringing in Hernán Martirena and Lucas Villanueva.
Peaceful has confirmed the return of coach Maxi Rubio and key players like captain Lucas Romera and forward Marco Roumec. They have also secured the services of Francisco Briñón, a forward from BH Gualeguay of Entre Ríos.
Spanish Center, led by coach Patricio Denegri and veteran Carlos Sepúlveda, is also gearing up for the new season. Young talents Valentín Aranda, Sebastián Ojeda, and Manuel Caratino are expected to play prominent roles, and the team is actively searching for reinforcements to bolster their roster.
Veteran Pickup Poised to Propel Neuquén Independiente?
Hello everyone, adn welcome back to the Courtside Chat! Today we’re joined by a true Patagonian basketball legend, former player and current analyst, Gustavo “El Tiburón” Sanchez, to dive into the latest ripples shaking up the federal Basketball League.
A major splash was made with Neuquén Independiente announcing the signing of veteran forward Marcelo Piuma. Gustavo, what are your initial impressions of Independiente’s move to bring in Piuma, a player undoubtedly nearing the end of his career, to an already competitive patagonian zone? You know him well from his time with Plottier Spanish Center.
Gustavo sanchez: It’s great to be back! I think Independiente is making a calculated gamble.Piuma, while 40 years old, still has a lot left in the tank. His leadership and experience are invaluable, especially in tight situations. Remember, the man helped take Plottier from the regional leagues all the way to the Argentine League in just a couple of seasons! You don’t forget that kind of championship pedigree.
now, Independiente isn’t exactly a young squad either. Bringing in another veteran like Piuma strengthens their core, creates a lot of experience, but maybe lacks the fresh legs needed for a long season.
Moderator: That’s a great point; it’s a balancing act. Independiente also brought in Francisco Gonzalez, another veteran returning to the region, so it seems they’re going all-in on the expertise angle. Do you think Perez should be looking at younger prospects as well?
gustavo Sanchez: Absolutely. while I respect the experience Piuma and Gonzalez bring, Perez needs to think about the future of the franchise.Injecting some youthful energy alongside them would be ideal. They could learn a ton from these veterans and provide some explosiveness off the bench. Maybe a promising rookie with a hunger to prove himself? That’s what Perfora and Deportivo Roca seem to be prioritizing in this offseason, adding young talent to complement their established players.
Moderator: Very interesting. You mentioned Perfora and Deportivo Roca. Let’s talk about the Patagonian zone as a whole. It sounds like it’s shaping up to be a real slugfest this year.
Gustavo Sanchez: You see, this is what makes the Federal League so exciting. Each team is making smart moves, creating a truly competitive landscape.
You’ve got Perfora keeping their core intact and looking for reinforcements, Deportivo Roca adding Martirena and Villanueva – both proven players! Peaceful is sticking with their strategy and have Briñón coming in, a forward with a lot of potential.
Even Spanish Center, with young guns like Aranda, ojeda, and Caratino, will be a tough opponent, especially with Denegri and Sepúlveda at the helm.
Moderator: So, what’s your prediction for the Patagonian zone? Who’s coming out on top?
Gustavo Sanchez: This is where it gets tough to call.Honestly,it’s anyone’s game.Independiente’s experience might give them an edge,but don’t discount the other teams.
Perfora’s consistency, Roca’s aggressive additions, DSP’s home-court advantage, and Spanish Center’s potential weapons…it’s going to be a thrilling race to the finish line.
Moderator: I couldn’t agree more. Thanks again, gustavo, for your insights into this very exciting off-season.
Readers, what are your thoughts on the moves made by Neuquén Independiente and the other Patagonian teams? Do you think Piuma is the right fit? Let us know in the comments!
