CHN - WCBA winner Mondelo tips China to retain Asian title

SHANXI (FIBA Asia Championship for Women/FIBA World Championship for Women) - Having masterminded a WCBA Championship during his first season at the helm of league newcomers Shanxi Xing Rui Flame, Lucas Mondelo is well placed to assess the prospects of China as they seek to retain their title at the FIBA Asia Championship for Women next month.

The play-caller, who recently added to his bulging resume by leading his native Spain to gold at EuroBasket Women, believes China have what it takes to continue their general dominance of the event.

Not only will China seek to land a twelfth title, they will also be overwhelming favourites to stamp their passport for the FIBA World Championship for Women in Turkey next year.

And, as Mondelo continues to enhance reputation as one of the most successful coaches in the women’s game, he believes it will be the leadership of another highly respected coach which will guide China back to the top of the podium.

"China have some good players and some great people" insisted the Spaniard.

"The key for this year is that they have regained Australian coach Tom Maher, who led them (to the last four) at the Beijing Olympics.

"The template they have for their players is still the best in Asia.

"However, even with the best selection, they must be careful with the some of the great basketball that can be produced by Korea and the bravery and aggressiveness of the Japanese."

Mondelo will be a hugely interested observer of events in Thailand.

For if China do make it to Turkey in 2014, then he could subsequently find himself pitting his wits against Maher and many of the players he faces on a weekly basis in the WCBA.

Unsurprisingly, he is still enjoying the satisfaction gleaned from topping the podium in France, but also working to ensure Spain are well primed during the next 12 months, to give themselves the best possible shot at another podium finish.

He reiterated, "I was very happy, winning EuroLeague Women in Russia against a Russian team with Perfumerias Avenida a couple of years ago and it was the same with winning a gold medal at Eurobasket Women in France, against the French team.

"It's certainly something to be proud of, but over time you realise it was not just about winning the medal, it was the way we won it - in terms of how we developed during the tournament and the style of play we imposed.

"As for the FIBA World Championship for Women, we have a technical cabinet in place within the Spanish Federation who are charged throughout the year with keeping track of the players and to be in regular contact with them.

"I take maximum advantage of the information gathered by my colleagues and I'm working on what has gone right and wrong this year and how we can improve for Turkey.

"Our main goal is to compete and grow with the new young players who have joined with the selection and who might also make it again next year."

But, as far as replicating his astonishing first year domestic success in the WCBA is concerned, Mondelo is acutely aware that a repeat with Shanxi is perhaps asking a little too much.

"Maybe the goal this year is to maintain our status within the WCBA and to reach the semi-finals by being in the top four" he admitted.

"To win the league after being newly promoted and coming from the second division meant we set the standard very high.

"Other teams in the league have recovered and strengthened, so yes, it will be difficult to repeat, but at least we again have Maya Moore."

The FIBA Asian Championship for Women will take place between 27 October and 03 November in Bangkok.

FIBA