VALENCIA (Spain) - If Spain are going to play at the Olympics for a hugely impressive seventh consecutive time, they're going to have to make it the hard way, by winning a FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament.
While that task seems to have been made easier with the national team hosting one of the four OQTs in Valencia, home-court advantage doesn't always prove to be decisive at these events and all the opponents will be fighting as if their lives depend on it.
With that in mind, Spain coach Sergio Scariolo has included battled-hardened players like Rudy Fernandez and Sergio Llull in a 22-man squad, with the national team hitting the court at La Fonteta for the first game against Lebanon on July 2.
If Fernandez does make the final roster for the OQT and does go to France for the Olympics, he will achieve a legendary six participations at the Summer Games, dating back to his first in Athens two decades ago.
Fernandez and Llull will always have a special place in the heart of Scariolo as each was on his first Spain team, the one that gave the country its first FIBA EuroBasket triumph 15 years ago in Katowice, Poland.“
"We have the goal to be at the Olympics," Scariolo said in a press conference today. "It's a challenge we are willing to face, we don't hide.
“We hope Valencia fans join us in the stands and cheer the team in this quest. We need to create the correct environment to maximize our strengths and reduce our weakness.
"EFFORT, SACRIFICE, TEAM UNITY ... HAVE TO BE SOME OF THE VALUES."
"The vast majority of our players don't come after a great season at their clubs, but other times we have managed to be a strong group and reach our goals. We will give our best.
"We hope our captain, Rudy, becomes the player with most Olympics. Effort, sacrifice, team unity… have to be some of the values."
Spain, No. 2 in the FIBA World Ranking, presented by Nike, are not short of talent in their squad. The Hernangomez brothers, two years removed from their dramatic, triumphant performances at FIBA EuroBasket 2022 in Berlin, are in.
Willy Hernangomez was the MVP of that tournament, while Juancho was the MVP of the Final.
"Juancho's role has to be of a bigger impact in the national team than in his team (Panathinaikos), which is complementary," Scariolo said. "He's been adapting. I spoke with him yesterday and he's willing to help to win."
There is Alberto Diaz, a late addition to Spain EuroBasket 2022 team who became the best defender in the tournament. The Unicaja Malaga captain led his team to the Basketball Champions League title this season, and to first place in the Spanish Liga Endesa regular season.
Lorenzo Brown, who had a spectacular EuroBasket 2022 and was named to the All-Star Five, is back after missing last year's World Cup. Brown is essential, it seems, especially with 2019 World Cup MVP Ricky Rubio deciding not to play.
"Ricky has asked us for a time to reflect about his career and path," Scariolo said. "We respect his decision."
"Lorenzo, knock on wood, will come here after ending the season and some rest days… He is willing to be part of this, we've been talking, and now he doesn't suffer the (injury) problems he had (that kept him out of the World Cup."
Juan Nunez of Ratiopharm Ulm in Germany started for Spain at point guard last summer and is also on the roster, as are Spain's NBA duo, Santi Aldama of Memphis and Usman Garuba of Golden State.
All three played big minutes in last year's World Cup team.
There is talent in abundance, which shows how difficult it will be for Scariolo to get down to his final OQT roster. Also included are Alex Abrines, Joel Parra, Dario Brizuela, Alberto Abalde and Jaime Pradilla, and still others.
"This list is for the entire summer," Scariolo said. "If we qualify for the Olympics, there shouldn't be any new name (s).
"The OQT will be tough. My main fear is in the first game, then we will take each game at a time. It's difficult to predict the final rosters (of opponents). There are teams finalizing the incorporation of players that can make a huge difference."
The OQT will be staged July 2 to July 7.
FIBA