Scariolo calm before the storm

MADRID (2016 Rio Olympics) - Sergio Scariolo proved a long time ago that he will take bold decisions as Spain's national team coach. He also revealed himself to be an astute judge of both character and talent.

In a EuroBasket 2009 game against Turkey, the Italian called a timeout with 12 seconds remaining and his Spain team trailing 61-60. Looking to catch Turkey by surprise, Scariolo designed a play for then national team rookie Sergio Llull to get the ball at the top of the key and drive hard to the basket in an attempt to score the game-winner, or at least draw a foul.

Llull exploded into the lane and leapt high but had his shot blocked by Ersan Ilyasova. Spain fouled Turkey and they added two free-throws for a 63-60 victory that left Scariolo's team, which had earlier lost to Serbia and edged Slovenia and Great Britain, in crisis. Marc Gasol questioned immediately after why an inexperienced player like Llull had been asked to win the game when there were so many veterans in the team.

One of them, Juan Carlos Navarro, along with Scariolo and FEB president, Jose Luis Saez, met with a room full of reporters to face an inquisition of sorts the following day. Scariolo didn't make excuses for Spain's struggles but he didn't offer any apologies, either.

The pressure for Spain's national team, winners of the 2006 FIBA Basketball World Cup and runners-up on home soil at EuroBasket 2007, was at an all-time high. The coach was convinced they were on the right path and so it proved to be.

Scariolo and the players navigated the stormy seas and captured a crown that had always eluded them. They won five straight games to claim the European title.

History has indeed shown, most recently on Sunday night when Real Madrid star Llull beat Valencia with an amazing last-second, three-quarters-of-the-length shot, that Scariolo understood in 2009 what his players are capable of doing.

Scariolo showed again last summer that he is the best man for Spain, one that gets the most out of the talent at his disposal. He was capable of taking what appeared to be a weakened Spain to EuroBasket 2015 and finishing top of the podium.

Spain had some early losses, yes. But when it counted, Scariolo's Spain won games. Last year's success was a third EuroBasket title under the Italian tactician.

Spain qualified for the Olympics last summer. Scariolo is now keeping close tabs on his players and studying the opposition. His aim will be to get another medal when the Rio de Janeiro Games are staged this August. He says that right now, though, there is only so much he can do because the make-up of his team won't be known for some time.

"Until the season is over, I don't want to look into the planning of who and who might not play," he said while watching the Copa del Rey that was recently held.

One big question mark is Rudy Fernandez, one of the top players in the team and someone that has represented Spain every year since 2004. He had to have an operation on a herniated disc and has not been playing.

Rudy is ready to return. It's possible that the break has been good for him to rest and do specific rehabilitation for his back. - Scariolo

Fernandez was in last year's team and made some important contributions but not as many as he usually does because of his health. Another player in last year's team that didn't log many minutes but is nevertheless going to be a national team player for years to come is Guillem Vives. He has been very good with Valencia and could gain a spot in the Olympic squad.

"I'm very happy with Vives," Scariolo said. "He keeps on taking steps forward."

Another that has been fantastic has been Victor Claver. After a disappointing NBA career with Portland, Claver returned to Europe at the end of last season and played for Khimki Moscow Region. He then took on a very important role for Spain and helped at he EuroBasket.

Victor Claver (ESP) has become a crucial man in the Spain squad

Now, Claver is one of Lokomotiv Kuban's best players and is a reason why they make reach the playoffs in the Euroleague.

He's (Claver) taken an important step and I'm happy for him because he's a good person. - Scariolo

Right now, Scariolo is patient. He is waiting. Marc Gasol of Memphis has had to have season-ending foot surgery. Will he make it back?

Spain won without him last year. Can they do it again if he's unavailable? Tough decisions are ahead when it comes to the naming of Spain's Olympic squad, and there will be tough games, too, in Rio. The coach has proved in the past that he will have a plan that can bring success. This will be an interesting year for Scariolo and the national team.

FIBA