Spain maintains the maximum demand against Canada
Scariolo’s men begin the last rehearsals for the World Cup in Granada
MADRID, 16 Ago. (EUROPA PRESS) –
The Spanish men’s basketball team is measured this Thursday (21.30/La2) against Canada in the first of the two games of the Granada Tournament, the last stop in the preparation for the 2023 World Cup, with the obligation to take another step forward in physical and game
Sergio Scariolo’s men continue one more summer burning stages at a good pace and with good feelings. The big event where Spain will defend the title starts on August 25 and the champion has two victories, against Venezuela and Slovenia, and a defeat against the United States last Sunday in Malaga.
The appointment at the Martín Carpena was undoubtedly the best yardstick for the Italian coach so far, with two demanding duels in which the team responded. Against Luka Doncic’s Slovenia, Spain showed its great connection as a team, despite being less well rounded than its rival, with a great defense and attack that has been working.
The European champion does not lack points, as in other preparations, and work and solidarity are not negotiated. Santi Aldama is contributing a lot in his debut with the absolute and Juan Núñez, in the diminished point guard position with the loss of Ricky Rubio, it seems that he has also been playing with the seniors for many years.
Against the United States, the great favorite for the World Cup despite having fewer names than are scary in the NBA, the host competed until the last minutes of the FEB Centennial Tournament. Thus, Scariolo’s team is proving to have a great base on which to continue working, still having these two trials in which Usman Garuba will reappear, injured against Slovenia, and Sergio Llull will make his debut after a particular preparation.
Canada will be the highest level at the Palacio de los Deportes in Granada and on Saturday will be the finishing touch against the Dominican Republic. The North American team is among the favorites to snatch the title from Spain, with a young, powerful team with NBA talent led by Spanish coach Jordi Fernández since this summer.
The Canadian team begins a project with a view to beyond the World Cup, the goal of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, but the quality already has it despite a significant drop already confirmed. This same Wednesday, Jamal Murray, brand new NBA champion with the Denver Nuggets, confirmed his absence because he felt unable to “compete at the highest level” due to a “long and demanding” season.
DATASHEET:
–EQUIPMENT:
SPAIN: Alberto Abalde, Santi Aldama, Darío Brizuela, Víctor Claver, Alberto Díaz, Jaime Fernández, Rudy Fernández, Usman Garuba, Juancho Hernangómez, Willy Hernangómez, Sergio Llull, Joel Parra, Jaime Pradilla, Juan Núñez and Sebas Saiz.
CANADÁ: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, R.J. Barrett, Kelly Olynyk, Dillon Brooks, Dwight Powell, Kyle Alexander, Alexander-Walker, Bell-Haynes, Kenny Chery, Zach Edey, Melvin Ejim, Philip Scrubb.
–PAVILION: Sports Palace of Granada.
–HORA: 21.30/La2.