''I'm really happy, like we won a medal'' - Scariolo savors one of Spain's finest hours
BURGOS (FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 European Qualifiers) - The November window of the World Cup Qualifiers has been one of the most rewarding experiences in the career of Spain coach Sergio Scariolo.
A coach who likened his first superstar-laden Spain team to a Ferrari after they captured the FIBA EuroBasket 2009 title, Scariolo did not have the same resources this time. Yet he had a lot of players that showed heart and determination.
And Scariolo did one of his finest jobs at the helm, too, as Spain won at Montenegro (79-66) on Friday and at home in Burgos over Slovenia (92-84) on Sunday.
"I'M REALLY HAPPY, LIKE WE WON A MEDAL. IT'S TOUGH TO ELABORATE AN ALL-TIME RANKING BUT I'LL NEVER FORGET THIS WEEK AND THESE PLAYERS. I'M EXTREMELY HAPPY AND I CAN'T THANK THEM ENOUGH." Scariolo
Not a single NBA man was on the team but rather Spanish Liga Endesa players who were champing at the bit to put on the national team shirt.
Asked where he would rank this team and the experience, he answered: "In my heart these games will be near the top forever. I'm really happy, like we won a medal. It's tough to elaborate an all-time ranking but I'll never forget this week and these players. I'm extremely happy and I can't thank them enough."
Para el seleccionador @sergioscariolo "me siento como si hubiera ganado una medalla en una gran competición"https://t.co/3aKWwEsq5g pic.twitter.com/ZdrL94wabe
— SeBaloncesto - FEB (@baloncestofeb) November 26, 2017
Quino Colom, Fran Vazquez, Sergi Vidal, Albert Oliver, Ignacio Llovet, Sergi Garcia, Jaime Fernandez, Edgar Vicedo, Sebas Saiz, Oriol Pauli, Xavi Rabaseda and Victor Arteaga all worked hard under Scariolo to clinch wins that have given Spain a solid platform to build upon as they attempt to reach the World Cup.
The way the players celebrated after knocking off this summer's EuroBasket winners Slovenia, a team that beat Spain in the Semi-Finals, it was clear the achievement had meant a lot. Next up will be a game at Belarus, a team that lost to both Slovenia and Montenegro.
Scariolo isn't ready to think about that now. He wants to savor what his dedicated, inspirational group of players was able to accomplish.
"It's time to enjoy the moment right now, mission accomplished and it wasn't easy at all. These players have performed at the highest level," he said.
"I want all of us to enjoy another great page of the Spanish basketball history book. The players have excelled and performed higher as a group than anyone would expected."
FIBA
