American point guard T.J. Shorts has been officially presented at the “Roig Arena” as Valencia‘s major headline signing.
Executives of the Spanish side spared no praise for Paris‘s former playmaker, declaring him the cornerstone around whom a brand-new project and a fresh era for the club will be built.
Excitement for a new beginning and support from teammates
Right from the start, Shorts expressed immense satisfaction with his arrival in Spain, supported at his official arena presentation by several of his new teammates:
“I’m really happy to be here. I’m excited to meet all of you and my new teammates, some of whom came today to support me. I’m truly looking forward to the start of the games, and I hope we can put on a great show this season and all have a good time together.”
🎬🧡 ¡@TjShorts5, presentado!
— Valencia Basket Club (@valenciabasket) September 4, 2026
Cas 👉 TJ Shorts, presentado en @RoigArena de la mano de Vitaldinhttps://t.co/9kEM01FeEU
Val 👉 TJ Shorts, presentat en Roig Arena de la mà de Vitaldin https://t.co/4Vhuv8nSVG
Eng 👉 https://t.co/V1wmfYvNsu pic.twitter.com/y80BceyLDM
Shorts: Throughout my entire career, I’ve felt like a leader
As a player accustomed to having the ball in his hands and directing the floor, TJ Shorts reflected on his role both on and off the court:
“Throughout my entire career, I’ve felt like a leader. I felt that I was in a leadership position, and coming here to Valencia, I want to bring that feeling back and contribute to this team with my leadership skills. I’ve always believed that if you want to be a leader, communication is one of the key elements in building a great team.”
The energy of the “Roig Arena” and memories of the Panathinaikos drama
The atmosphere inside Valencia’s new home played a decisive role in his decision, with Shorts recalling the unforgettable Game 5 of the playoff series against Panathinaikos:
“I could truly feel the energy from the stands and the fans during games at the ‘Roig Arena.’ I think that was also one of the elements that decisively influenced my decision. Now, thinking about it, I see that those fans will be supporting me and creating serious problems for opposing teams.”
Valencia turned orange as fans enjoyed every second ahead of a potential Final Four advance.
— EuroLeague (@EuroLeague) May 15, 2026
🤳 sandrajorda30 / IG#IWasThere pic.twitter.com/N5dWl3ql3R
“So that was definitely a feeling I experienced and remember very clearly, especially from that Game 5: that sense of tension and pressure. And now, having those same supporters and fans on my side is going to be simply incredible.”
Message to the fans: Reasons to celebrate and packed stands
Finally, the Spanish squad’s new floor general delivered a clear message to the fans who will be backing him throughout the upcoming season:
“I hope that from now on I can give them plenty of reasons to celebrate, something that will keep them coming to the stands in large numbers, and something that will make them happy when they watch us play.”
