MEMPHIS (USA) - It wasn't usual to see Spain struggle during their qualification for FIBA EuroBasket 2025, but they still booked a ticket for this summer's big show and will be there to defend their crown.
And the country's newest leader Santi Aldama is certain: they're in it to win it.
Because that's what Spain do.
"It pushes us to be the new generation that keeps Spanish basketball at the top."
Aldama will be playing his third major event with Spain - following the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 and the 2024 Olympics - and the 24-year-old said his country has only one goal. Despite facing a more challenging path than usual, they remain committed to upholding their gold-standard expectations.
"Spain never enter a EuroBasket thinking they can't win it. And we're going for it," he told the Spanish media outlet AS.
In the road to FIBA EuroBasket 2025, Sergio Scariolo's men suffered two losses to Latvia, dropped a game against Belgium and needed a miracle buzzer-beater by Santi Yusta to eventually defeat Slovakia in double overtime.
Over the course of the six qualification games, Scariolo brought into the Spanish player pool a number of star young talents including Izan Almansa, Sergio De Larrea, Mario Saint Supery and Hugo Gonzalez. While it remains unclear how many of those teenagers will make the team for this summer, the writing on the Spanish wall is clear: Spain are shifting generations.
"We're going through a generational transition, but that's no excuse. It's actually motivation. I'd say it pushes us to be the new generation that keeps Spanish basketball at the top," Aldama said.
Spain have won four EuroBasket crowns - all of them coming in the last six editions since 2009; they have reached the continental podium in the last seven tournaments and 10 of the last 11 competitions.
Spain have reached at least the top eight in 21 consecutive EuroBaskets, last finishing worse than 8th in 1977.
Aldama has already shined at the World Cup and Olympics, but the Memphis Grizzlies forward is excited about making his first appearance on the continental stage.
"It'll be my first EuroBasket, so I'm eager to debut and compete for the biggest prize," he said.
Aldama is the only Spanish player in the NBA, and he also showed at the Olympics in Paris that he is ready to lead the team. He averaged 17.7 points and 9.3 rebounds and claimed the TISSOT MVP honors of the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament 2024 in Valencia last summer.
"It’s a huge privilege. One of the most important things for me, as a Spaniard, is experiencing this," he said about being considered the current face of Spanish basketball. "Wearing Spain's jersey and hearing the anthem before every game is incredible."
Aldama especially cherishes donning the Espana jersey in front of the home fans.
"When you play with the national team, it's a completely different feeling. But from my experience in the Olympic Qualifying Tournament and similar games, playing at home is something else entirely. You feel the warmth of the fans and compete for something much bigger than yourself," he said.
Aldama is spending his fourth season in the NBA and is becoming more of a leader with Memphis.
"Everything I do, I also do with the summer in mind, to take the reins of the national team," said the Las Palmas native, who is averaging 12.7 points, 6.7 rebounds and 2.8 assists in the NBA.
"I feel like I'm in a situation where I can contribute a lot. Now, I'm also a more vocal leader, with the experience I've gained. I feel that when I'm on the court, I can help others, just like they helped me when I was starting out."
If Spain are to repeat as champions in 2025, rest assured Santi Aldama will be front and center.
FIBA