Spain keep Scariolo, Mondelo in charge of national teams through Paris Olympics

MADRID (Spain) - The Spanish Basketball Federation (FEB) announced on Thursday that Sergio Scariolo will continue to coach the men's national team and Lucas Mondelo the women's side through the Paris 2024 Olympics.

With the country experiencing its best ever era of national team basketball, the FEB has understandably decided not to change a winning system.

"It's a day of celebration, a happy and important one for the Spanish Federation," said FEB President Jorge Garbajosa, who himself was a leader in Scariolo's first title-winning team at the FIBA EuroBasket 2009.

"We're delighted to continue counting on Sergio and Lucas," he said. "We want to thank both for the willingness they've had to continue with us. The FEB is your home. I know that dedication, effort and work and enthusiasm will not be lacking."

Scariolo's latest achievement was to steer the men to the title at the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 in China while Mondelo's was to guide his team to the FIBA Women's EuroBasket 2019 crown in Serbia.

For the past decade, both coaches have captured numerous other titles and also led their sides to other podium finishes. 

Scariolo's latest triumph with Spain was at the World Cup in China, where his team went unbeaten

Scariolo, who works as an assistant coach with the Toronto Raptors the past two seasons, has also been able to lead Spain in World Cup and EuroBasket qualifying games. He says the sustained success of the Spanish men's team has raised the profile of the program around the world.

"In the US, Canada or Asia, you realize that we have achieved something that will remain for many years to come," he said. "The commitment and the workforce, regardless of talent, has been passed from generation to generation."

Mondelo celebrated after Spain captured the FIBA Women's EuroBasket 2019 crown in Belgrade

Mondelo, now coaching a club in Japan, is looking forward to returning to the court with the women's national team. He will lead it at the EuroBasket Women in Valencia, Spain, and also at the Tokyo Olympics, an event pushed back a year because of the coronavirus pandemic.

"Next year, there are two exciting challenges, such as the FIBA Women's EuroBasket 2021 in Valencia and the Tokyo Games - everything, in my 10th summer leading the national team," he said. "I want to ask all the fans to continue accompanying and supporting us in these difficult times."

FIBA