By Eurohoops team / info@eurohoops.net
After losing against Turkey and missing their first chance seal a spot for China 2019, Spain held off Ukraine to book their ticket to their 10th straight FIBA World Cup.
“When we started this beautiful adventure a year ago we knew it would be difficult and hard, but not to what extent. Eternal thanks to these players and this coaching staff,” Spanish Basketball Federation President Garbajosa, who helped Spain win its only world title in 2006 told FIBA. “What they have achieved in a moment of extreme difficulty, not only for FEB but for Spanish basketball, to get Spain to the World Cup and, hopefully, into the Olympics, it is thanks to them.”
Head coach Sergio Scariolo couldn’t help but look back to the start of the preparations in the summer of 2017 before the Qualifiers began last November.
“I remember when we started in Benahavis one and a half years ago with our first training camp with most of these players. There were so many doubts, so much concern about what was going to happen. Thanks to the heart and the talent of this group of players, now we can celebrate our qualification for the World Cup,” he said. “All the credit goes to these players because from the first game to the last one, not only did they do their job but they did it with passion, enthusiasm, togetherness. I’m really proud of them.”
Photo credit: Flickr / Baloncesto FEB