Garbajosa optimistic about Spain's ''generational change''

MADRID (FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 European Qualifiers) - Spanish Basketball Federation (FEB) President Jorge Garbajosa is looking forward to watching the continued development of the players in the expanded national team set-up when the third window of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 European Qualifiers gets underway later this week.

Numerous players that were afforded the chance to put on the national team shirt during the Qualifiers have excelled and helped Spain win four times in as many games through the November and February windows.

What promises to be their biggest test, at Slovenia, will be on Thursday (June 28) before Spain returns home to host a dangerous Belarus in Malaga on Sunday (July 1).

At the introduction of Spain's squad to the media on Sunday in Madrid, Garbajosa shared his thoughts.

"Beyond the great success of this team in the two previous windows, with four victories in four games, for us it is important that the number of players with whom we worked before didn't surpass 20 to 25 and now it has expanded to a range of about 40," he said. "Additionally, these are players that have done enough to be in the final call. That silent generational change makes us very optimistic not just for the present but in the future."

As for the games themselves, Garbajosa - a leading member of Spain's winning side at the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2006 in Japan - said there is still a long way to go before the national team clinches a spot in the first-ever 32-team competition taking place next year in China.

He is also happy that Spain avoided defeat in the November and February windows.

Spain did well in their November clash with Slovenia in Burgos, prevailing 92-84.

They also held on a for a thrilling 84-82 victory at Belarus in February.

"If you have a bad window, you are placed in a situation of uncertainty," Garbajosa said.

And the games at Slovenia and at home to Belarus are crucial.

"They are of tremendous importance because all results count," he warned.

FIBA