Scariolo, "the best in history," shocks a Spanish national team forced to mature.

Sergio Scariolo delivered one of the biggest news stories of the year for Spanish sports: he will leave the national team after the next Eurobasket . He did so after announcing the squad for the continental tournament, which featured a strong presence from the squad that attended the Paris Olympic Games. His departure marks the end of the most glorious era of national basketball.

The Italian has concluded his second stint in ten years. His return was the balm Spanish basketball needed after the years of Juan Orenga, who won a well-deserved bronze at the 2013 Eurobasket , but whose failure at the 2014 World Cup always weighed heavily on the Golden Juniors . The decision proved to be the right one, and time has proven it.

"Sergio, I thank you for your dedication over these years. You've been the best national team coach in history, and your involvement has been day in and day out, with a very comprehensive vision of our sport, deeply involved in the development of young players , and visionary in addressing any problems we may have," summed up Elisa Aguilar , president of the Spanish Basketball Federation (FEB). Aguilar accepted the confirmation of his departure, saying, "His background gives him the right to decide," but it has come as a shock and prompted the need to make a move for the medium-term future.

His return has brought more success to Spain . In his first tournament since his return, he won the Eurobasket 2015, where Pau Gasol delivered one of the best performances of his career. Those in France still remember the semifinals of that tournament , when he scored 40 points and knocked the hosts out of the final. Rudy Gobert was unable to neutralize him.

The success of 2022

The bronze medal at the Rio de Janeiro Olympic Games followed the success of the Eurobasket. Then came another of Scariolo's feats, when Spain became world champions for the second time in its history at the 2019 World Cup. Brilliant performances by Marc Gasol and Ricky Rubio proved instrumental in securing the title.

The last success was Eurobasket 2022 , the first tournament without the golden generation, with the exception of Rudy Fernández, a captain but a supporting player. Spain defeated top rivals like Finland, France, and Germany to consolidate the transition of the new generation. The performance of players like Willy Hernangómez and Alberto Díaz in that championship will always be remembered.

A difficult transition

That task was, in fact, Scariolo's most difficult challenge in this second stint. Replacing Gasol, Navarro, and company was a daunting task, but he managed to bring out the best in the newcomers. That Eurobasket, in fact, was one of the highest-level tournaments in history. Sergi Llull and Álex Abrines will not be in Northern Europe this summer, by their own choice. A step forward is expected from Sergio Aldama, the new star of a Family that must mature by leaps and bounds if it wants to repeat past feats.

Scariolo's second stint is drawing to a close with his expected departure to Real Madrid , although there has yet to be an official confirmation. The names of Pablo Laso and Ibon Navarro are already being mentioned within the Federation, but Elisa Aguilar has yet to make a move. At the Federation, aside from these successes, they haven't forgotten the two Eurobaskets and the Olympic silver medal won during his first stint. Without a doubt, the greatest coach in history is leaving.