Spain’s basketball coach Sergio Scariolo spoke after the team claimed gold against France in Berlin with an 88-76 victory, praising the system that rewarded players who stayed true to shared values.
He called it a moment of profound satisfaction at the championship level. Basketball, he said, shines when teams honor the fundamentals: passing, honoring roles, training hard, supporting one another, and keeping egos in check. He framed the win as a triumph of team play, noting that such a performance brings immense joy to a coach who loves the game when teammates operate as a unit alone on the floor. The reflection came in the wake of the final in Berlin.
Scariolo acknowledged that even in the most optimistic imagination, his squad did not foresee clinching gold in a major championship. He contrasted this outcome with other teams featuring NBA stars, MVPs, and All-Stars, suggesting those lineups were not able to surpass his group on this day.
In a concise assessment, he urged his players to let their effort speak for them and highlighted the team’s climb from eighth in the competition’s power ranking to the crown. The head coach stressed that the road to success involved careful work and attention to many small parts that, when combined, produced a final, convincing result. He added that the team is now recognized as one that plays with a clear collective idea and an identifiable identity. [EFE]
In the same breath, Scariolo described it as easier to guide a starless roster now than in years past, when rosters brimmed with high-profile talents who demanded roles and moments for themselves. He recalled the old dynamic where players needed to be told to defend for minutes rather than to contribute through teamwork, and he noted how management has evolved to fit the current reality.
The victory in Berlin set the stage for what comes next. After the trophy was secured, Scariolo signaled plans to celebrate with his players by entering the press room at the Mercedes-Benz Arena and sharing a moment of jubilation that included a playful water soak for the coach from the players. Willy Hernangómez stood among those preparing to join the celebration, adding to the festive atmosphere of the moment.
Eternal Spain: sixth gold in 16 years, 12 medals in 15 championships
As the celebrations continued, the sense of continuity and achievement grew. The program has built a consistent standard that has translated into multiple medals across recent decades, underscoring the country’s enduring place in European basketball and the sustained leadership of its coaching staff. The success story underscored how a well-structured system, clear roles, and collective discipline can yield results against conventional powerhouses.
From the vantage point of the team, the pathway to glory rested on staying true to team principles, maintaining unity, and embracing a shared mission. The squad illustrated that excellence can emerge from cohesion, even when star power is less visible. The blend of disciplined defense, precise ball movement, and a willingness to sacrifice for the group created a championship blueprint that resonated with players, coaches, and fans alike.
Looking ahead, the program is poised to translate its current momentum into continued success. The leadership team intends to carry forward the balance between individual skill and collective obligation, a balance that has become the hallmark of Spain’s golden era in international competition. The upcoming tournaments will test new challenges, but the foundation appears stronger than ever, built on trust, unity, and a shared love of the game.