ESP - Pepu Hernandez to leave Spain national team after Olympics

MADRID (Olympics)- Spain will have a new coach when they play at the EuroBasket in Poland following the announcement that Pepu Hernandez will step down after the Beijing Games.

Hernandez, who led Spain to the gold medal at the 2006 FIBA World Championship and silver at the EuroBasket last year in Madrid, has decided that his 'cycle will have come to an end' with the national team.

'I want to thank the FEB for giving the opportunity to have enjoyed an incredible experience,' he said.

Hernandez will attempt to follow up the World title win with Olympic glory in August and Spain are among the favourites going into the competition.
'We aspire to the maximum,' Hernandez said.

'Our mind is on the gold medal, that is why I want to ask for the suppport of everyone, players, coaches, FEB and of course, the fans.'

Standing in their way, however, are the United States, hosts China, defending champions Argentina, European heavyweights Lithuania and EuroBasket champions Russia.

Spain were last weekend drawn in the same group with the US and China.

Hernandez has some big decisions to make with respect to his squad.

There's a huge debate in Spain as to which point guards he should take to Beijing along with Jose Calderon.

Sergio Rodriguez has played very little this year with Portland and Carlos Cabezas has endured an injury-plagued campaign with Unicaja Malaga.

Teenage sensation Ricky Rubio of DKV Joventut has played so well that many think he will get one of the other two playmaker spots.

Hernandez believes that by leaving he is doing what is best for himself and for Spain.

'I have experienced three wonderful years with the national team but there are cycles that come to an end and it's good that there's a change,' he said.

FIBA