Scagliolo hopes Spain will move closer to the favorites

Spanish basketball coach, Sergio Scariolosaid this Monday gran canariaon the eve of the first friendly of the week lithuaniatheir desire to close the distance that prevents the national team from being contenders for the next medal euro basketball 2022.

“Everyone says we are far from medal contention. We have to try to get closer and see where the competition puts us,” assured the Spanish coach.

Scariolo He added that “arrogance or bravado” is not a good “ally” when facing competition, “especially if it pushes us away from reality.”

In his opinion Spain “Compete as usual, show your face, show a cohesive team image, fight, play basketball well, be proud, tough, fierce, focused”, definition of “favorite” should be ignored by both coaches and coaches, as players “have different motives and when their gaze and concentration are on other focal points”.

Scariolo He explained that they continue to “progress” in the national team’s “reform and growth efforts”, with many players having to adapt “from complementing more lead roles to different roles”. I had to.

The Spanish coach appreciates the ‘demanding’ rivals in this preparatory period. Greece2 games already played – lost Athens and win Madrid-, or from this Tuesday lithuania‘another team everyone considers a medal favorite’, which will also be measured next Thursday Vilniusthe capital of Lithuania.

Scariolo I am aware that lithuania He is a “physically much stronger” rival who will try to be “as inconspicuous as possible”, which requires “a step forward, a harder impact and keeping the big ones away.” Paint as much as possible and compete with fewer mistakes.

The Italian coach admits that his rivals have “a very high physical athletic rhythm”, play “excellent basketball” and have very good players “at all positions”.

Asked about the physical condition of power forwards Usman Galba, Scariolo Now that he’s behind his teammates, he believes he still has a ‘stretch’ available “not because of his ankle recovery, but because of his shape after being out of work for so long.” He is a player who needs to be “physically fit to perform and contribute”.

and with respect to John Nunes and signing for his German team Ratiopharm UlmAfter termination of the contract with real madrid, the Spanish coach had known his fate “for a long time”. We are a competitive team and demanding.”