Thirteen years ago, in 2009, Sergio Scariolo began his career as Spain coach with a first victory. By his side, Rudy Fernandez was already there, with even a place in the five major of the tournament.
Thirteen years later, the coach and the emblematic rear / winger are still in place (despite a short break from 2012 to 2015 for Sergio Scariolo), with the same desire and the same determination, to accompany a new generation towards excellence. now embodied by the Hernangomez brothers.
“I don’t think he’s going to stop after this. In any case, it would surprise me, because he is playing his best tournament since the start of his career.”
Against Finland, Rudy Fernandez came out of his box at the best time, making his fifth interception of the match to better serve Dario Brizuela from 3-pointers in transition to give his side a first advantage (87-82). He then distinguished himself by scoring two missiles behind the arc to ensure victory.
From the height of his 37 years, Rudy Fernandez was still invaluable in qualifying La Roja for the semi-finals. So much so that when asked “How far can he go?” Sergio Scariolo can’t imagine his full-back/winger retiring from international duty after the competition.
“I don’t think he’s going to stop after that. In any case, it would surprise me, because he is playing his best tournament since the start of his career. Why should it stop there? Of course, he can assure himself and tell himself that he cannot do better. But it’s not Rudy. If he is healthy, I expect him to continue playing. He enjoys his role in this team. It’s probably a different role than any he’s had. And it’s nice to live for him, because it’s a whole new experience.
“He throws himself on these balls which hang around like an 18-year-old kid”
As always, Rudy Fernandez gave everything. And even if he spent the day after the 1/8th final against Lithuania in an ice bath after playing 29 minutes, he still found the resources to contribute to this precious success.
” He is incredible. He has glitches on his neck, on his knees, all over the place, but he’s not afraid! And when he’s on the field, he throws himself on these balls that hang around like an 18-year-old kid. He is a leader by example on all counts. He’s a great leader for his teammates, especially in difficult times. We used him a little too much against Lithuania, we hope he will still have some underfoot for the next matches., added Sergio Scariolo.
Man of the match with his 27 points and 5 rebounds for 28 evaluation, Willy Hernangomez also went there with his tribute, underlining the contribution of his teammate within a completely redesigned selection.
“He will always be there, in good and bad times. It was the case again this evening, after a difficult start, he was on top of us, trying to involve, to get everyone to react. His experience, his legacy, everything he achieved with the national team, he is very important to us, especially for a young team like ours. We need a guy like Rudy”.
What to give wings to Madrid for the semi-final against Germany on Friday evening?
