By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
With Chus Mateo and Pablo Laso widely considered the most likely candidates for the position of head coach, the Spanish Basketball Federation, FEB, is facing a complicated decision on the future of the senior national team.
In the recent EuroBasket 2025, the previous selector Sergio Scariolo ended a history-making tenure with a first-round exit after a 2-3 run in Limassol’s Group C and 17th place in the final standings. Earlier this summer, the 64-year-old Italian tactician was confirmed as the new head coach of Real Madrid to replace Mateo. Meanwhile, Laso parted ways with Baskonia and was already linked to the opening at the play-caller position of La Familia.
The next step is in the Qualifiers of the FIBA World Cup 2027 and an attached opportunity to eventually reach the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games, and from there to play at home in EuroBasket 2029. The selector taking over will be soon named by FEB president Elisa Aguilar. Besides 57-year-old Laso and 56-year-old Mateo, Xavi Pascual and Jaume Ponsarnau are also under consideration, as noted by Marca on Wednesday.
Apart from 54-year-old Jaume Ponsarnau under contract with Surne Bilbao, Mateo, Laso, and Pascual are free agents, and thus, much simpler hires. Heading to Group A of the World Cup Qualifiers, starting from the November FIBA window, which will not feature NBA and EuroLeague players due to overlapping schedules, a new head coach with a full commitment would remove several hurdles in the rebuild aiming to develop selections and shape a contender in the next FIBA tournaments.