The Spanish basketball team is set to face two crucial games in the classification windows, despite having already secured their spot in the Eurobasket. The team, led by coach Sergio Scariolo, will travel to Latvia on Thursday, February 20, and then host Belgium on Sunday, February 23. Scariolo has chosen a mix of experienced and young players for these games, with the aim of giving minutes and experience to the younger players who will be part of the team’s future.
The team’s roster includes four European champions from Berlin 2022: Darío Brizuela, Xabi López-Arostegui, Joel Parra, and Jaime Pradilla. Additionally, two members of the U19 world champion team in 2023, Izan Almansa and Rafa Villar, have been included, along with two players from the Golden Boys 2.0 program, Mario Saint-Supery and Hugo González, who will make their debut with the national team. Five players with experience in the selection, including Santi Yusta, Miquel Salvó, Rubén Guerrero, Josep Puerto, and Eric Vila, have also been called up. Furthermore, three guests, Jaime Fernández, Guillem Ferrando, and Lucas Langarita, will join the team for the concentration.
Scariolo emphasized the importance of these games, despite having nothing at stake, saying, “Although we have already achieved the classification for the Eurobasket, these commitments remain important in our evolution and in our work progression. We will work with a group in which we will continue giving minutes and experience to young players, who will be part of tomorrow’s team, and that we consider that they are an important heritage of our basketball. Next to them will be more veteran players who have already contributed many things to the selection and who are, of course, very grateful.”
The Italian coach also explained that the February window is always a critical moment for selections, as players arrive with a large load of matches after the Copa del Rey, and not all the players he would have wanted are available due to physical or personal reasons. Despite these challenges, Scariolo is confident in the team’s ability to perform well and continue their progress. With a balanced roster and a clear plan, the Spanish basketball team is ready to face the upcoming games and take another step forward in their evolution.
