Scariolo: a journey that rewards the effort and the unity of Spanish basketball
The summer produced nine medals, a remarkable harvest for Spain’s basketball landscape. A gold crown for the men’s team was as thrilling as it was unexpected, highlighting a season that exceeded even hopeful predictions. In a candid interview with El Periódico de España, Jorge Garbajosa, head of the federation, reflects on 2022 and considers what lies ahead in 2023, stressing a belief that the achievements are signs of progress rather than the ultimate aim.
Nine medals in a single summer. Was this expected? In truth, no one pretended to forecast such a result. The federation anticipated a strong phase thanks to the quality of players and the positive momentum, but medals were never described as the main objective. The aim has always been to develop players and strengthen the national structure. Success stories are welcome, yet they are best viewed as milestones along a longer road rather than a final destination.
Has the pandemic complicated things too much? The answer is nuanced: hunger sharpens the intellect, and the Spanish basketball system has found inventive solutions during challenging times. The pride lies not only in the national team but in the entire pyramid that feeds into it, a structure that has endured and adapted with resilience.
Are we emerging from Covid in better shape? Spanish basketball shows steady improvement. The current competitions are more visible and better organized than before the pandemic, and the results of the federation’s leadership underscore a unifying trend. The impression is clear: the sport has grown stronger and more cohesive, with ample tools to keep advancing.
Turning to Europe, what did observers think of a surprisingly young group at the European Championship, a lineup considered the most junior to reach that level? Honest beliefs were shared with athletes, media, and fans alike. The EuroBasket era marked a transition unlike any before, with smaller nations challenging traditional powers. The plan drawn in 2017 began to take shape as windows opened, and the group faced this historical moment with a clear strategy, even when outcomes were uncertain.
Scariolo: the journey mattered as much as the destination
In the moments when circumstances tested the team—an injury to Llull at a critical juncture and a demanding draw—the players rose to the occasion. The captain, Rudy Fernández, alongside the Hernángómez brothers and Lorenzo Brown, contributed leadership and skill, while younger players seized opportunities to prove their worth. The team faced a tough path through Lithuania, Germany, France, and Slovenia, yet the quality on the floor remained remarkable. The leadership of the coach and the emotional cohesion of the group convinced observers that the plan could endure, even when a tough Belgian night loomed as a potential decider. The sense of unity and purpose stayed intact, guiding the team forward.
What about the collective spirit? The president and the coaching staff shared a vision: avoid overreach and trust the process. Signals from players were monitored with care, and the management kept faith with a plan that demanded commitment even when results were not immediately favorable. The group learned to sustain itself through difficult phases, recognizing that a firm, steady approach could outlast momentary setbacks. That discipline became a defining feature of the run to the championship level reached by the squad.
Value beyond the wins: Scariolo’s role transcends coaching. He is described as a mentor and educator for the emerging generation, able to strike a balance between authority and empathy. The relationship with players is described as deep and respectful, a trait that has helped the team maintain a clear hierarchy while still feeling intimately connected to its members. This balance, it is suggested, lies at the heart of his success with the national program.
Supportive personnel form the backbone of ongoing excellence: three physical therapists, two fitness coaches, and a director of basketball science compose a large, well-coordinated team. The resources available ensure players can perform at their best, but they do not guarantee victory. The model, nonetheless, provides a realistic path toward sustained achievement by anchoring performance in science, health, and meticulous preparation.
Over two decades of victories have earned Spain respect on the global stage. The discipline shown by Pau, Navarro, Felipe, and the broader roster commands admiration from opponents and peers alike. An Asian federation president once wondered how a country of Spain’s size can maintain such competitiveness against giants. The answer lies in the structure of the competitions, the depth of the basketball system, and the high level of confidence players bring to the national team. No matter the opponent, Spain enters games ready to compete, with the belief that every match can be a step forward.
European gold stands as perhaps the sport’s most meaningful achievement of the year for Spanish athletes. It is argued that this victory goes beyond the medal itself, signaling a mindset built on sacrifice and collective effort. Players from different generations—an older guard and the younger cohort—demonstrated what a shared purpose can accomplish. The emergence of a newcomer like Lorenzo Brown alongside seasoned veterans underscored the depth of commitment across the program, a testimony that resonates with fans and teammates alike.
What values define the “La Familia” culture? One memorable moment linked to the U-17 world championship in Malaga remains a touchstone: the conversations among friends, the leadership of Neymar-like names in the squad, and the sense of belonging that comes from knowing teammates deeply. The bond between players and staff fuels the drive to chase excellence year after year, a tradition that will likely endure as long as the federation maintains its focus on development and unity.
An edge of healthy arrogance also characterizes the team. The confidence on display when facing the United States or European powers demonstrates a belief in their own capacity to compete at the highest level. That bold attitude enriches the spectacle for spectators and strengthens the aura around the national shirt. It is this blend of talent, ambition, and mutual respect that continues to captivate audiences and attract new generations to the sport.
As 2023 approaches, expectations are high but framed by the idea of continual growth. The centenary year offers a platform to showcase Spanish basketball at its best—every match treated as a stage for excellence, a signal that the federation aims to keep raising the bar. The aspiration is not merely to participate but to lead, to set standards in competition, refereeing, coaching, and player development. The objective is clear: maintain momentum and demonstrate to fans, sponsors, and the world that Spanish basketball remains a model of collective achievement.
In closing, the sense emerging from these reflections is one of gratitude for the journey and resolve for the road ahead. The comments close with a collaborative sense of thanks and a shared wish for continued success throughout 2023 and beyond.
Notes: the quotes and perspectives referenced reflect public statements attributed to federation leadership and key figures involved in the national program. Observations emphasize the importance of structure, teamwork, and the long-term development strategy that underpins Spain’s basketball successes. Attribution: Atlas Agency, El Periódico de España