Rodriguez in squad, poised for first Spain appearance in Qualifiers

MADRID (FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 European Qualifiers) - Sergio Rodriguez, Joan Sastre and Pierre Oriola are set to return to Spain's national team and feature in the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 European Qualifiers for the first time after being named in the 16-man squad for this month's games against Ukraine and Latvia.

Rodriguez, a long-time star of the national team, as well as Sastre and Oriola, represented the country at FIBA EuroBasket 2017 and helped it to a third-place finish.

National team coach Sergio Scariolo is thrilled to have Rodriguez in the team for this window.

"In Sergio Rodríguez we have an injection of quality, of decision making, of offensive talent," the coach said. "It is a joy that he is with us. "  

Others that have been fantastic for Spain in their perfect 6-0 start in the Qualifiers that are set to play again are Quino Colom, Oriol Pauli, Pablo Aguilar, Jaime Fernandez, Sebas Saiz and Santi Yusta.

Colom has gained most of the attention and in the Qualifiers and deservedly so after making the most of his opportunity to finally suit up for the national team. He has averaged team highs in points (15.0 per game) and assists (5.3).

Colom (left) and Vazquez have provided points and leadership for unbeaten Spain

Vazquez has also been inspirational in six Qualifiers appearances, averaging 10.8ppg and 4.8rpg,  

The national side, led by veteran coach Sergio Scariolo and within touching distance of a spot in next year's 32-team tournament in China, play at Ukraine on September 14 and then host Latvia on September 17.

Scariolo was recently named as an assistant coach of the Toronto Raptors but given the go-ahead by the NBA team to continue in his role as Spain coach, even during the season.

"IN EVERY WINDOW YOU FACE NEW CHALLENGES AND DIFFICULTIES, BUT YOU CONCENTRATE ON THE POSITIVE THINGS."- Scariolo

The continuity at the helm is a major plus for Spain as they start the Second Round.

"It's a happy day for us to have Sergio Scariolo as national coach," Spanish Basketball Federation president and national team legend Jorge Garbajosa said. "He’s very capable of dealing with two high quality duties in Toronto and in Spain. We will be in very frequent contact. It's a win win for both organizations."

Toronto have had numerous connections to international basketball over the years with Garbajosa himself having played for the Raptors from 2006-08.

As for the challenges of taking on Ukraine and Latvia, Garbajosa said: "These are two very important games in order to try to pave the way for the World Cup 2019. But it's not an easy challenge because we face two tough rivals."

Ukraine are 3-3 and Latvia are 4-2.

Scariolo has led Spain to many of their great triumphs, starting in 2009 when he guided the country to its first FIBA EuroBasket title. He has been terrific in the World Cup Qualifiers, especially when bringing in numerous newcomers to the national team setup.

One big reason why Spain are 6-0 heading into the fourth window is the coaching of Scariolo