Written in the stars for Spain and Mondelo

SHANXI (2016 FIBA Women's Olympic Qualifying Tournament) - There was a sense of inevitability when Lucas Mondelo witnessed Spain get pitched against China in Group D at the 2016 FIBA Women's Olympic Qualifying Tournament (WOQT).

The play-caller has spent the last few years of his club career in the country, taking Shanxi Rui Flame to three consecutive WCBA titles. Both countries also met at the 2014 FIBA Women's World Championship in Turkey, with Spain easing their way to a comfortable 71-55 success.

But, Mondelo has insisted that having an inside track on China's national team players will be crucial when the action gets underway in Nantes.

China has excellent potential and we must remember they were sixth at the FIBA Women's World Championship. - Mondelo

"We have to take everything positively and we will be psyched to be at our top level in our first game against China. We must also take advantage of having that 'extra-scout' situation," he said.

Having led Spain to the title at EuroBasket Women 2013 and a first-ever Final appearance at the FIBA Women's World Championship, it has generally been nothing but an upward curve for the team under Mondelo. He reiterated how the main ingredient of that success remains the same and that he is as excited as anyone to try and stamp his passport for a trip to Rio, having not been part of the Spanish set-up that last competed in the Women's Olympic Basketball Tournament at Beijing 2008.

We will have to put on the table what has led us to be where we have been on this journey since 2012. Work, work and more work. There is no other way to achieve one of the biggest dreams in the sport, which is to play at the Olympic Games. - Mondelo

Meanwhile, the coach and the Spanish Basketball Federation have put their trust in Victor Lapena to step up and oversee the EuroBasket Women 2017 Qualifiers last November, but his trusty lieutenant was merely keeping the seat warm for his return.

"Well at the moment, I am hoping I will be back as head coach!" laughed a relaxed Mondelo.

He also knows that reputation alone won't get him or his team to Rio and has highlighted other elements which will carry the most water in Nantes.

"The most important thing will be having all the players physically well and in such a short and competitive tournament, we can't lack reserves," he warned. "Like anybody else, we will maybe also need some luck, but we won't be relying on fate - mainly on what we have control of."

Spain will also look to avoid an upset when they go up against underdogs Venezuela.

FIBA