By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Shortly following the end of his second spell as the head coach of the senior national team of Spain, Sergio Scariolo was awarded the Grand Cross of the Royal Order of Sporting Merit.
In charge from 2009 to 2012 and from 2015 to 2025, the 64-year-old Italian tactician was the selector of the Spanish national team for a combined total of 15 years. He officially departed after elimination from EuroBasket 2025 to focus on his return to Real Madrid.
Under his guidance, La Familia emerged as a powerhouse, winning eight medals, from silver and bronze in the Olympic Games of 2012 and 2016 to gold in the FIBA World Cup 2019. In EuroBasket, his efforts combined with gold in 2009, 2011, 2015, and 2022, while settling for bronze in 2017.
Considering historical success, the council of ministers approved the highest distinction granted by the Spanish government in the field of sport.
The Brescia native is staying in Spain, at the helm of Los Blancos, heading to the 2025-26 editions of the EuroLeague and domestic competitions.
Scariolo previously led Madrid between 1999 and 2002. Further work in Spain corresponds to Unicaja Malaga from 2003 to 2008, and Tau Ceramica / Laboral Kutxa from 1997 to 1999, and in the 2013-14 season. Domestic titles amount to two ACB championships and two Copa del Rey titles.
In the NBA, as an assistant under head coach Nick Nurse from 2018 to 2021, he was crowned champion in 2019.
Photo Credit: FIBA