Some ringing endorsements for Spanish Basketball structure

NEWCASTLE (Paul Nilsen’s Women’s Basketball Worldwide) – Away from the weekend excitement and sizeable spotlight of men’s EuroLeague action in Istanbul, there were some significant endorsements made at the other end of Europe, namely in Spain.
 
The first endorsement was Spanish Basketball Federation (FEB) President Jose Luiz Saez being elected for another term of office (perhaps something of a ‘no brainer’ when you take into account the success he has delivered at the helm of Spanish Basketball) and the second was another ringing endorsement of the coaching structure the Federation has in place in respect of the women's game.
 
One of the first tasks Saez completed after his re-election was to hand the coaching reins of the senior national team to Lucas Mondelo, thus confirming his promotion from the youth ranks – just as had happened with his predecessor Jose Hernandez.
 
For me personally, two of my favourite coaches formally passing the baton to each other was slightly bitter-sweet. While absolutely delighted for Mondelo, I was a little disappointed Hernandez wouldn’t get to make up for a disappointing EuroBasket Women 2011 campaign.
 
There was a definite whiff of unfinished business for Hernandez but looking at the bigger picture, Spain are probably needing to now start something of a mini-revolution now they have to qualify for EuroBasket 2013 in France and who better to lead it than Mondelo?
 
After all, just like Hernandez, he has achieved significant success at youth level including a gold medal at the U20 European Championship last summer.

Meanwhile at club level, the accomplishments of Mondelo in the last 18 months or so are unsurpassed anywhere else on the planet.
 
At one stage recently, the play-caller ensured his club team Perfumerias Avenida held every bit of silverware from each competition they had been permitted to enter – all at the same time.
 
It included of course, the prestigious Euroleague Women title won last year, during what was incredibly his first season coaching in the tournament.
 
Crucially, because of his work within the Federation and with Avenida, many of the players who will form the main thrust of Spain’s future tilt at titles will have already worked under Mondelo.
 
Alba Torrens may not participate this summer but she will of course continue to be the kingpin in coming years with players such as Marta Xargay beginning to grow in stature and influence – both have played for club and country under the tutelage of Mondelo.
 
What I really love about the play-caller is that he is bursting with an overpowering sense of confidence in his own ability. Yet when dealing with him in any way (either formally or informally) it doesn’t come across as overbearing arrogance.
 
Speak directly to him about anything to do with women’s basketball and he instils belief immediately and convinces you that he is right. I can only imagine this is one of the main contributors to his success so far. When he speaks, you listen.
 
Mondelo commands huge respect from me and I couldn’t be happier he has been given his opportunity. Given some time to mould something of a new-look Spanish team, he will inevitably deliver.
 
Just as with Hernandez and indeed any top coach, there has been the occasional disappointment. Speaking to Mondelo in Istanbul at EuroLeague Women Final Eight, you could sense his utter frustration that his team didn’t make it and get a shot at defending their European crown.
 
The pressure on him to get the maximum possible results with Spain will only come from within. He will expect to attain success.
 
Upon being given the position, he spoke about his pride, sense of responsibility and how it is a privilege to coach within the FEB structure. He certainly hit the nail right on the head with those comments.
 
A deep thinker, straight talker and passionate leader, Mondelo has worked wonders during his coaching career so far for both club and country. The smart money is on that trend continuing for some time yet at the elite level.
 
However, it isn’t just Mondelo who deserves respect and praise. It has been because of the Federation's structure and coaching pathway that Spain are able to call upon ‘one of their own’ who has been so brilliantly groomed for the role.
 
It’s a beautiful situation when a Federation has given yet another of its fine selection of coaches the chance to work their way up the ladder and realise their coaching dreams by leading their nation at the very top level.
 
With some exciting young players coming through and another fantastic head coach calling the shots, we could be standing on the verge of a golden age for the Spanish women's national team.

So, exciting times ahead. Although in the cut throat world of qualification for major tournaments, Spain can take nothing for granted. Something I am sure Mondelo will get across to his players in no uncertain terms.
 
Congratulations to Lucas Mondelo. I genuinely wish him every success and of course congratulations to Mr Saez and the Federation too.
 
Best of all though, in the unlikely event Mondelo doesn’t live up to his billing or needs to unexpectedly step down for any other reason, Spain has plenty of other excellent coaches to call upon.

Paul Nilsen

FIBA

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