By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
The Spanish Basketball Federation is looking into the future with experienced Italian play-caller Sergio Scariolo in charge of the senior national team.
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Scariolo, 62, is set to remain head coach of La Roja until 2028, according to Spanish outlet AS.
Limited to the ninth spot on the final rankings of the 2023 FIBA World Cup, Spain secured an additional opportunity to reach the 2024 Olympic Games through an Olympic Qualifying Tournament. Competing at home in Valencia, Angola, Bahamas, Finland, Lebanon, and Poland are the remaining challengers for a spot in the basketball tournament of the Paris Games.
Initially taking over from 2009 to 2012 and returning in 2015, Scariolo guided Spain to silver medals in the 2012 Olympic Games and bronze medals in the 2016 Olympic Games. In 2020, his efforts were combined with a sixth-placed finish. Winning the 2019 FIBA World Cup stands out among the remaining achievements. Gold medals as well through the 2009, 2011, 2015, and 2022 editions of EuroBasket plus bronze in 2017.
Focusing on international duties since parting ways with Virtus Segafredo Bologna in September, the former assistant at the Toronto Raptors and NBA champion in 2019 retained head-coaching duties at the top of the Qualification Round for the 2025 EuroBasket. A home loss to Latvia and an away loss to Belgium pushed his side to a 0-2 start in Group C. Ranking over at least one out of Belgium and Slovenia, Spain would advance to the EuroBasket.
Photo Credit: FIBA.BASKETBALL