World and European champion in title, Spain takes the door before the quarter-finals. The players of Sergio Scariolo broke down in the final stretch against Canada, victim of the long-distance address of Dillon Brooks and the composure of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
It’s obviously a big disappointment for Sergio Scariolo but there’s also the pleasure of seeing a friend, Jordi Fernandez, and a country he loves achieve their goals.
“We had a lot of fun playing against a team made up of NBA players”
“I can’t say I’m happy for Canada, but somehow I am…” did he react press conference. “Canada now has a top team, and they can enjoy the fruits of their efforts. We produced an incredible effort. We were better in shots, rebounds, assists, assists/lost balls ratio…”
The Italian coach doesn’t have much to blame his players for, except maybe letting Shai Gilgeous-Alexander take the game on his own.
“We produced a crazy effort, but leadership on the ground is essential. We have to remember that when there is an All-Star in front, anything can happen. We had a lot of fun playing against a team made up of NBA players. Their talent and experience are totally different from ours. When the ball is in the hands of great players like Shai, you can learn from all of that. »
“Proud to have played a 19-year-old point guard”
But really, and he insists, he is very proud of his players, especially the youngsters. Spain is at a crossroads with a generation coming to an end, and young people growing like Santi Aldama and Juan Nunez.
“They have a bright future ahead of them. We are proud to have played a 19-year-old point guard. continues Setgio Scariolo. “Juan may be frustrated right now because it was his first tournament. Hats off to Juan, but everyone gave what they had. The veterans gave everything they had. We developed good basketball throughout the tournament. So, there are no regrets to be had”.
