National men’s basketball coach Sergio Scariolo has trimmed the roster from the current squad to a 14-man group as Spain readies for EuroBasket this September, following a hard-fought World Cup qualifying round that featured convincing wins over Iceland. The process began with a decisive cut after the latest sessions, aiming to sharpen the team’s cohesion for the continental championship while continuing to build the most effective rotation possible ahead of the upcoming qualifiers.
In the run-up to the two critical qualifying matches for the 2023 World Cup, Spain faced Iceland in Pamplona on Wednesday and then the Netherlands in Almere on Saturday. These fixtures served as the stage for further evaluation and adjustments, with Scariolo confirming that two more players would depart from the squad to reach the final 14-man lineup. The Italian coach has demonstrated a long-standing commitment to refining the roster based on performance, tactical fit, and the evolving needs of the team as it targets success on the global stage.
One veteran name who did not secure a spot in the end was Quino Colom, a player widely regarded as a constant presence in the squad during recent cycles. The decision marks a notable shift in the guard rotation, especially given the ongoing FIBA windows and the expectations surrounding the core group that includes Sergio Llull, Rudy Fernández, and the Hernangómez brothers, Willy and Juancho. These players have been central to Spain’s identity on the court, contributing leadership, scoring touch, and versatility across multiple positions.
With the focus firmly on continued preparation and the upcoming continental rendezvous, Scariolo is steering the team through a demanding schedule. The group that remains in contention features a mix of established names and rising talents, including Dario Brizuela, Lorenzo Brown, Rudy Fernández, Jaime Fernández, Usman Garuba, Fran Guerra, Willy Hernangómez, Juancho Hernangómez, Sergio Llull, Xabi López-Arostegui, Juan Núñez, Joel Parra, Jaime Pradilla, and Sebas Saiz. This roster reflects a balance between experience and fresh energy, designed to maximize both on-court cohesion and future potential for international success.
In a candid note after the selections, Scariolo thanked Quino Colom and Yankuba Sima for their dedication to the program and wished them good luck as they rejoin their clubs. The parting words underscored the demanding nature of national-team selection and the constant pursuit of the right mix of players who can deliver at the highest level when the stakes are highest.