World champion and reigning European champion, Spain has decided to entrust the reins of its selection to a 19-year-old kid, Juan Nunez. Lorenzo Brown and Ricky Rubio absent, Sergio Scariolo did not hesitate to trust the youngest MVP of the U20 World Cup. It was in 2022. At the time, Juan Nunez decided to leave his native Madrid to join Ulm in Germany. Like Killian Hayes, he opted for the German championship to progress, and he enriched his record with a championship title after playing 20 minutes on average!
“It was very important” answers Juan Nunez about his departure for Ulm. “They gave me my place, playing time, patience and it was very good. In the end, it is perfectly applicable (to the national team). To have the freedom to make decisions, to make mistakes. It helps a lot. »
Leader of Spain for “the next 10 to 12 years”
At 19, he joined the Spanish squad as the 13th man, and when Ricky Rubio announced his withdrawal from the field for mental health problems, Sergio Scariolo decided to trust his kid.
“We trust him as one of the pillars of our team for the future”, launches the coach of the “Roja”. “We’re missing two veteran playmakers, and that’s what got him there. But he is responding, and that has accelerated the process we had planned for him. »
For Sergio Scariolo, Juan Nunez is the leader of Spain for the next decade! “There is no doubt that for the next 10 to 12 years, he will be called upon to lead this team with leadership, humility, a desire to improve and a desire to play for the team. He will be one of the builders of the bridge we are trying to create for newcomers. »
A chance to lead Spain
Unlike France, which came to Asia without a single player under the age of 25, Spain has already begun its transformation. For more than 20 years, the Spaniards have managed to pass from generation to generation without the general level being affected. It’s very impressive, and Juan Nunez is the new symbol.
And as Setgio Scariolo explains, his leader is already a pillar, since after two matches, he is the best passer and the best rebounder in his training.
” I am the same. I changed nothing “ explains the person concerned brand. “I don’t take it as a responsibility, but an opportunity. To be able to be here so young, to represent a national team that has won so many titles. It is an opportunity, of course, but above all a chance. »
