Valencia Basket announced the signing of power forward Braxton Key for the remainder of the 2025–26 season on Saturday night. The 28-year-old, standing 2.03 meters, joins the team as it seeks to strengthen its frontcourt after a 3-3 start in the EuroLeague.
Key was named the 2024–25 NBA G League Defensive Player of the Year while playing for the Santa Cruz Warriors, averaging 23.1 points, 10.1 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 3.3 steals in 12 games. Earlier in the season, he spent time with the San Diego Clippers, posting 14.8 points, 8.6 rebounds, 2.3 steals, and 1.2 blocks over 38 games.
The forward also had brief stints in the NBA, appearing in six games for the Golden State Warriors with an average of 0.8 points. His professional career includes stops with the Philadelphia 76ers, Denver Nuggets, Detroit Pistons, Grand Rapids Gold, and Vaqueros de Bayamon in Puerto Rico.
Key was a key contributor to the University of Virginia’s 2019 NCAA Championship, grabbing a game-high 10 rebounds and scoring six points off the bench in the title game against Texas Tech. He previously played for the University of Alabama before turning professional.
Valencia Basket head coach Pedro Martínez highlighted Key’s versatility and defensive presence as a key addition to the roster. Key joins a frontcourt that already includes Nate Reuvers, Jaime Pradilla, Neal Sako, Ethan Happ, Matt Costello, and Yankuba Sima.
Valencia Basket next faces Fenerbahce at home in the EuroLeague this week, aiming to capitalize on Key’s addition as the season progresses.
