New age talent Miguel Mendez led the team’s early push, opening on the women’s basketball squad before a surprising loss to Latvia shook expectations in EuroBasket. Yet Spain steadied the ship with decisive victories over Greece and Montenegro, and a standout collective performance, anchored by a star turn against Germany (67-42) in the quarterfinals. Laura Gil, recording 13 points, 11 rebounds, and a 21 efficiency rating, emerged as the spirit of the group.
Following a brief pause from medal contention after EuroBasket 2021 and the Tokyo Games, the squad returned to the semi-finals of a major event this Saturday to face Hungary (17:45, Teledeporte). Hungary had become the tournament’s benchmark by defeating Spain in one of two recent friendly matches, with center Bernadet Hatar at 2.08 meters and 28 years old posing a formidable challenge.
Another DOUBLE-DOUBLE for Laura Gil, tagged by fans as @Lau_gilcollado, who posted 13 points and 11 rebounds with a 21-point valuation. The moment was celebrated widely, underscoring the team’s unity and resilience. [Citation: BaloncestoESP]
The national team’s revival coincided with the peak of the 31-year-old Murcia-born center who stands 1.91 meters tall. Gil is enjoying a late-career surge, rejuvenated after a serious Achilles tendon injury. Her chemistry with Raquel Carrera has provided interior stability while the roster has been well supported by Paula Ginzo and Lola Pendandethe, aiding the squad in reducing absences by Astou Ndour, Irati Etxarri, and María Araújo.
Defensively, the squad’s cohesion and versatility stood out. Queralt Casas and Maria Conde contributed on the wings, while ball handling and turnover management remained tight, with the team limiting giveaways and keeping turnovers to an average of eight per game on the path to the continental final.
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Speaking about the team’s identity, the players emphasize a defense-first approach. Laura Gil explained that while Spain may not boast the height or sheer force of some rivals, its defensive system disrupts opponents’ plans—inside pressure integrated with active outside help—making each opponent work for every point. She reflected on her long journey, noting that she has already played five seasons professionally and overcame a pandemic-era hiatus that ended in May 2020 in Valencia.
Fans celebrated a strong showing from Gil during the MVP-like display in the match-up, evidenced by posts from supporters like @Lau_gilcollado celebrating a standout performance. The team’s supporters echoed their faith in the collective effort, tagging the squad with messages of family and unity. [Citation: BaloncestoESP]
The arc of Gil’s career has included a pivotal return in March 2022 to Valencia, a period marked by the Achilles injury that sidelined her for much of the year. She worked through a demanding rehabilitation and made a triumphant return to the court, performing at a high level with a stronger body and greater impact on her teammates. Her return coincided with a broader resurgence for the team, which benefited from a renewed sense of purpose and deeper bench depth.
Expressing optimism for the journey ahead, Gil shared that the post-injury period deepened her commitment to the squad. She emphasized the importance of remaining united after the Latvia setback and added that the team would leave everything on the court to pursue medals. The sentiment reflected a broader culture of resilience that has defined the institution’s recent performances and momentum.
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