Team in focus - Spain

MADRID (FIBA Basketball World Cup) - The 2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup is just around the corner. In the lead-up to the biggest international basketball event, we take an individual look at all 24 teams.

Country: Spain
FIBA bwin Ranking Men: No. 2
Last participation in the FIBA Basketball World Cup: 2010 (5 wins, 4 defeats; 6th place)
Best result in the history of the FIBA Basketball World Cup: one-time world champions (2006)
Result in qualifying tournament for 2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup: 3rd place at EuroBasket 2013 (7 wins, 4 defeats; Spain qualified as host nation)

It's been eight exciting years for Spain since their momentous triumph at the FIBA World Championship in Japan.

'Los Chicos de Oro' won EuroBasket crowns in 2009 and 2011 and reached Olympic Finals in 2008 and 2012.

Even when not accomplishing the aim of capturing gold, Spain have done well overall.

As EuroBasket 2007 hosts, Spain finished second when a shot in the waning seconds by J.R. Holden gave Russia a 60-59 victory.

At the 2010 World Championship, a long three-pointer by Milos Teodosic gave Serbia a 92-89 Quarter-Final triumph over Spain.

Last year, with World Cup qualification already secured as the host nation, a Spain team missing Pau Gasol, Juan Carlos Navarro, Felipe Reyes and Serge Ibaka still claimed third at the EuroBasket in Slovenia.

A World Cup title is what the Spaniards crave in 2014.

They enter the competition with obvious advantages.

Not only is there home backing and a star-studded roster, but also the crucial elements of continuity and experience.

Because of what Navarro, Pau and Marc Gasol, Jose Calderon, Felipe Reyes, Rudy Fernandez and Sergio Rodriguez, all members of the 2006 team, have accomplished - the players are assured of legendary status in their homeland.

To finish top of the podium again at the 24-team World Cup on home soil would further cement their status as national heroes.

What about the coaching?

Former national team center Juan Antonio Orenga, who was promoted from his assistant role to head coach after Sergio Scariolo's decision to step down after the 2012 Olympics, did well in his first summer at the helm.

One challenge Orenga faced last year was to find enough minutes for his guards.

The backcourt will be even more crowded in 2014 with Rubio, Rodriguez, Calderon, Sergio Llull, Navarro and Fernandez all hungry to play.

Fernandez, a game-changer for Spain with his defense and high-flying artistry around the rim, is going to be on the court when the game is red hot.

Rubio defends well and excels in transition with his passing while Rodriguez is a master ball-handler.

Calderon is strong defensively and explosive offensively while Navarro is a tremendous scorer.

Llull is fearless and capable of making game-winning plays.

Where Spain should have an advantage against nearly all the teams, including the United States, is the front court because of NBA centers Pau (Chicago Bulls) and Marc (Memphis Grizzlies) Gasol and big man Ibaka (Oklahoma City Thunder).

Spain's golden generation is unlikely to be around for the next World Cup, so there is the additional incentive to go out and sign off from the competition with a championship.

They'll look to hit the ground running in Granada against Group A foes Iran, Egypt, Brazil, France and Serbia.

FIBA