Sergio Scariolo discussed Spain’s EuroBasket challenge, praised the Hernangomez brothers' performances, and reflected on the NBA’s growing influence in Europe.
Credit: FIBA
On his 54th birthday, Spain's national basketball team coach Sergio Scariolo joined Radio MARCA to discuss various basketball topics.
From Spain's EuroBasket 2025 title defense to the evolving leadership of young players and the NBA's growing influence in Europe, Scariolo shared key insights into the current state of European basketball. He also praised the performances of Juancho and Willy Hernangomez and talked about Santi Aldama's improvement.
The Spanish team enters the upcoming EuroBasket tournament with a tough task ahead. Despite being the defending champions, Scariolo acknowledged that the team's generational transition makes retaining the title a monumental challenge. Spain is set to face Greece, Italy, Georgia, Bosnia, and Cyprus in Group C, making their road to the knockout rounds anything but easy.
"It's a very tough group; the goal is to put our best foot forward and compete. No one truly expects us to defend the title in the full sense of the word, and we are all clear on that. But, as always, we want to compete and surprise.
The challenge is to maintain a high level of competitiveness despite this being one of the most complicated moments of our generational transition."
Scariolo had high praise for Juancho Hernangomez, who is excelling at Panathinaikos. The Spanish forward has signed a two-year extension with the Greek club and is expected to play a key role in Spain's EuroBasket campaign.
"Juancho is having a fantastic season, polishing his game and continuously doing what he does best. It has been a spectacular season, and we hope he finishes it strong."
Juancho is currently averaging 10.3 points, 6.5 rebounds, 1.5 assists, and 0.9 steals per game, helping Panathinaikos remain a top contender in the EuroLeague.
Meanwhile, his older brother, Willy Hernangomez, has had a more challenging season. However, Scariolo remains optimistic about his progress.
"Willy is showing signs of improvement. It's been another rather complicated season, but lately, I’ve seen him playing quite well. We hope he and his team can finish strong."
Scariolo also addressed the increasing involvement of the NBA in European basketball, noting that while its influence is generally beneficial, it must be absorbed in a way that preserves Europe's unique style of play.
"Overall, it can't help but be good news for European basketball. The NBA brings value, richness, and professionalism—elements that make a real difference.
From there, we'll see how things develop. It’s still too early to fully understand the impact, but as long as European basketball knows how to absorb it while maintaining its identity and distinct approach, this influence will be positive."
With legends like Pau Gasol retired and the golden generation fading, Spain is looking to the next wave of players to step up. Scariolo believes leadership development takes time and patience.
"Leadership doesn’t come at 22 or 23; it takes more time. There are exceptions, as some from the previous generation had defined roles early on and grew up playing together. We must be patient. These young players are earning significant minutes, but we are still far from the leader status that we need—players with strong personalities who can elevate the rest of the team."
One of Spain’s brightest prospects, Santi Aldama, is showing promise. Scariolo believes Aldama is steadily progressing toward becoming a top-tier player:
"I see him doing very well, growing in areas where he already excels, and improving in aspects that will take him to the next level. I firmly believe his free agency situation will be resolved soon, likely by mid-July."
Scariolo also addressed his future in coaching, leaving the door open for new opportunities beyond the national team.
"My contract with the national team is open, but not just for this season. Of course, I am open to considering what motivates and interests me. I’m fortunate enough to have that flexibility. I look forward to coaching a club if the right opportunity arises."
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