World champion in 2019, but also European champion in 2022, Spain is particularly motivated to defend its title since the Federation is celebrating its 100th anniversary! For Sergio Scariolo, this is an additional motivation, and for this 2023 edition, he finds his playmaker, Ricky RubioMVP four years ago.
Recovered from his serious knee injury, the leader of Cleveland believes that his training leaves with more certainty than the competition.
“We have seen time and time again that the best players don’t win on their own, it’s the real teams who win. And we are a few steps ahead of the others in terms of collective cohesion” explains Rubio. “However, that doesn’t mean anything because we have to keep working like we always have. We must be humble and aware of our duties and we know what we have to do. »
For Rubio, “the DNA is still there” because the Federation has already prepared for the future. “Everyone comes with a little something and, in the end, we have to pass on to new generations everything we have learned over the years”, he continues. “Whenever the national team meets, they always have in mind to do well in the competition. Then, due to many circumstances, expectations differ. In recent years we have not been favorites and we have shown that there are opportunities. We always think about the consequences, the final, the gold. But this team has shown that they are also thinking about the course. From day one, we showed great cohesion. We will see at the end if we win a medal, and what color it will be. We must be aware that the path to take is the most important thing this summer”.
Ricky Rubio thinks of Canada
Spain will start defending their title against Brazil, Ivory Coast and Iran, in a group of which they were the favorite before crossing France or Canada of Shai-Gilgeous Alexander and Jamal Murray during the second phase of Jakarta. Two formations that are among the candidates for a medal.
“It is still too early to know very well who is the favorite and who is not” concludes Rubio. “There are a lot of selections coming together and there hasn’t been a warm-up match to see how each is doing. Canada have one of the best teams they’ve ever had, but there are plenty of teams that aspire to that status as favourites.”
