Team Profile: Spain searching for global stage return after skipping Sydney

SOPRON (Hungary) - It was a hurtful experience for Spain to miss the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2022 and you can expect a laser-focused effort to return to the elite by taking an Olympic ticket. 

 

 

The Roster

The lineup will be led by a number of veteran stars including the stellar Alba Torrens on the wing who has been the marquee star for her country for well over a decade. She will bring the know-how and clutch to the table like always, while Laura Gil will continue to offer her experience in the paint.

The backcourt is packed with players who have all been there so many times before, including the likes of Silvia Dominguez, Queralt Casas and Leonor Rodriguez. 

Alba Torrens remains a quality act and world class leader for Spain

The newer crop of new leaders are also ready to shine on the global stage too - players such as forward Raquel Carrera and playmaker Maite Cazorla. Meanwhile one of the 'X-Factors' for Spain could be the health and form of Maria Conde who can be unstoppable when she gets onto a roll. Although the big news has been Spain naturalizing Megan Gustafson and having her as a go-to inside could be absolutely huge. 

If the talented Maria Conde finds a high gear, that would be massive for Spain

The Question

Who's carrying the scoring load in the Spanish backcourt? They have beefed up their frontline with the addition of Gustafson, but it is arguably now the offensive output of the guards that could define whether they are successful. Defense should be assured, but who's going to be the difference-maker on offense?

The Hope

Spain continue their momentum of getting back on track after that silver medal at the FIBA Women's EuroBasket 2023 which showed that despite missing out on Sydney 18 months ago, they can still hit hard on the big stage. They have some real depth again and will be expected to qualify as a result.

How will Megan Gustafson settle into Spain's lineup?

The Fear

It will not be easy successfully integrating a new naturalized and high-profile baller into such a tough environment like a FIBA Women's Olympic Qualifying Tournament, but this is even more the case when you are competing in the 'Group of Death' against three class teams like Canada, Japan and Hungary. While the often outstanding Gustafson and Spain could absolutely erupt, there is no guarantee. 

 IN THE LAST 10 FIBA EVENTS

YEAR	EVENT	LOCATION	ACHIEVEMENT
2023	FIBA Women's EuroBasket	Ljubljana (SLO)	2nd
2022	FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup	Sydney (AUS)	DNP
2021	Olympic Games	Tokyo (JPN)	6th
2021	FIBA Women's EuroBasket	Valencia (ESP)	7th
2019	FIBA Women's EuroBasket	Belgrade (SRB)	1st
2018	FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup	Tenerife (ESP)	3rd
2017	FIBA Women's EuroBasket	Prague (CZE)	1st
2016	Olympic Games	Rio (BRA)	2nd
2015	FIBA Women's EuroBasket	Budapest (HUN)	3rd
2014	FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup	Istanbul (TUR)	2nd

The poll

FIBA