Spain enters a major tournament for the first time in twenty years without a clear path to a medal, a shift that mirrors the mood around the team. The era of the golden summers under Sergio Scariolo has given way to a EuroBasket where the squad faces a tougher, more crowded field. The roster is thinner on veteran trophies, missing the MVPs of recent campaigns, and without Pau Gasol guiding the way. Ricky Rubio is sidelined at the last moment, and the absence of Llull complicates plans. The defending world champions take a secondary role as peers like Slovenia led by Luka Doncic, France with its storied talent, Greece, Lithuania, Serbia, and Turkey look ready to push for silverware.
eight rookies
Scariolo stressed that the past is over and progress is essential. The coach acknowledged a roster in transition with different goals and new pressures. The national program is in a generational change, aiming to compete not only for a medal but with an eye toward long-term growth, including a bid for the 2024 Olympic berth in Paris. Injuries have chipped away at experience, with names such as Ricky, Llull, Carlos Alocén, Abrines, Abalde, Claver, and Aldama facing setbacks. The plan emphasizes development and resilience as the team plots a bold course forward.
With eight rookies stepping onto the stage, leadership comes from the younger core. Rudy Fernández, a veteran of 238 appearances across 15 competitions and a holder of 10 medals, steps up as a field leader alongside Usman Garuba and Hernangómez. The squad will lean on the fresh faces represented by Lorenzo Brown, Alberto Díaz, Jaime Fernández, Darío Brizuela, Xavi López-Aróstegui, Jaime Pradilla, Joel Parra, and Sebastián Saiz to help balance the mix of talent.
Officially announced as the 12 players bound for EuroBasket, the roster centers on unity and a family spirit as the team plans to compete with a shared sense of purpose. The selection symbolically captures a moment of collective effort for a nation that has grown used to producing star players at the highest level.
Beyond the familiar names, other notable figures such as Batum, De Colo, Bogdanović, Gallinari, Shengelia, and Teodosic are cited in discussions about the European stage. Yet EuroBasket underscores the continued impact of the continent’s best talents in the NBA era, with a sample of players including Luka Dončić, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Nikola Jokić, Rudy Gobert, and Domantas Šapoka [citation: BaloncestoESP].
For Pau Gasol, a long-time emblem of Spain and a beacon during his time with Barcelona and the Lakers, the perspective remains pragmatic. The focus is on honest competition rather than chasing a perfect outcome. The aim is to compete with the same spirit that has guided the national team for years, and to remind the world that Spain cannot be counted out in any tournament, even if the path to a title is uncertain.
12 names called up from Spain to Eurobasket
Marc del Río
Below Ricky and Llull, there are other prominent players who carry weight in the European landscape, including names who have shaped the current generation. The balance of experience and youth is designed to maximize growth and to keep Spain competitive on the continent.
in four countries
Among the notable selections, the quarterback is highlighted as Lawrence Brown, who earned the right to defend the national shirt after a nationalization process and is regarded as one of the elite offensive players. For Rudy, the team captain and the central reference point, the goal is to inspire through the lessons learned over the years in the national setup. The group may grow through the tournament, and there is a belief that good things can come from this gathering. The sense is clear: faith in the team and the moment.
For the third consecutive edition, the European Championship is staged across four countries, with the first round hosted by Turkey, Georgia, the Czech Republic, Italy, and Germany. The final stage and the qualifying rounds are set for Berlin. Spain is placed in Group A with Bulgaria, Turkey, Montenegro, Belgium, and Georgia. The top two teams advance to the knockout rounds, where Spain hopes to prove its competitive worth. The brackets will determine how far the squad can go.
Slovenia, led by Luka Dončić and joined by stalwarts like Goran Dragić and Vlatko Čančar, stands as the reigning favorite. Greece, France, Slovakia, and Turkey are among the teams banks expect to challenge for the podium. Yet Spain remains in the conversation, quietly building toward its next chapter in European basketball.
in four countries
Spain enters EuroBasket with a clear sense of purpose, aware that the tournament is a proving ground for a new generation. The coaching staff believes in the potential of the players to grow together, learn quickly, and seize opportunities as a united unit. The journey ahead will test every facet of the squad, from defense to ball movement to the mental toughness required in a high-stakes European championship.
The path to Berlin will reveal how Spain compares with the continent’s best. The players know this is not about a single hero but about a collective effort that can lift the team even when facing formidable opponents. The season may stretch ahead with uncertainty, but the commitment to compete remains strong and unwavering.