ESP – Scariolo knows nothing will come easy – not even for Spain

MADRID (National team) – Sergio Scariolo was unveiled as the new Spain coach on Friday and the Italian made it very clear that the national side would have to “start from zero” if it is to win more medals, beginning with this summer’s EuroBasket in Poland.

Scariolo was confirmed as Aito Garcia Reneses’ replacement earlier this month when the Spanish Basketball Federation held successful talks with BC Khimki, the club Scariolo leads and will continue to coach.

"I can only promise maximum effort and dedication,” said Scariolo, who coached Tau Ceramica, Real Madrid and Unicaja Malaga in Spain’s ACB.

“I see this challenge as something important in my life and in my sporting career.

“I will be working with a top group and this would be a challenge for any coach. To maintain one´s level is more complicated than to arrive and in order to achieve our aim, we will have to be better.”

That was something that Pepu Hernandez discovered after guiding Spain to the gold medal at the 2006 FIBA World Championship.

One year later, Spain were favourites to win the EuroBasket as hosts but lost to Croatia in the group stage before reaching the final and losing in the final seconds to Russia.

Spain will again be the favourites to win the gold in Poland this summer and many will expect them to challenge Team USA for the title at the 2010 FIBA World Championship in Turkey after pushing them close in last year’s Olympic final.

“Each team has to start from zero, we must find a new balance,” Scariolo said.

“We hope to be at the level everyone expects and continue.”

"The aim is to make a team,” he continued.

“Players aren´t the same 12 months later because certain characteristics that we valued back then might not be as useful one year later.

“It´s better to have an ample choice of players to choose from.”

There is a big question mark over the availability of Pau Gasol, the Los Angeles Lakers big man who will not make a decision about this summer and whether or not he will play for Spain at the EuroBasket until after the NBA play-offs.

Gasol reached the NBA Finals with the Lakers last year and then, after a brief rest, joined up with Spain and played at the Olympics.

“We haven´t spoken to Pau Gasol and I don´t think it would be intelligent to do so although both parties would be enthusiastic,” Scariolo said.

“No one can doubt his dedication and his interest and talent in the national team.

“It´s a decision Pau will take when he ends the NBA season.”

Scariolo was asked about wearing two hats, as the coach of Khimki and Spain.

“This job is perfectly compatible with my work at Khimki,” he said.

“I want my club to be in the Euroleague next season and for Spain to improve on what it has already obtained.”

FIBA