EuroBasket 2025: Spain pays dearly for too many mistakes and gives Sergio Scariolo the worst farewell possible

The year 2025 will mark a before and after in the history of Spanish basketball, not only due to the surprising elimination of Spain in the group stage of the Eurobasket, but also because of the farewell of one of the most emblematic coaches in the history of the national team: Sergio Scariolo. In a dramatic showdown against Greece, Scariolo's team fell 86-90, a result that not only knocked them out of the tournament but also signified the first time in Eurobasket history that Spain failed to advance to the next round.

The scenario was clear: Spain needed to defeat Greece to keep their chances of advancing to the next phase. After Georgia lost to Bosnia, the Spaniards knew that a victory was imperative for qualification, as a defeat meant direct elimination. However, the match against Greece, one of the tournament's strongest teams, turned out to be a true litmus test for Scariolo's team.

The beginning of the game looked promising for Spain, as they seemed to stay in the fight, but the superiority of Greece, led by the tireless Giannis Antetokounmpo, made the difference. Greece started to build a lead that, despite Spain's attempts to narrow at various points, they never managed to close. In the final moments of the game, the Spaniards showed heart and character, but crucial mistakes and lack of consistency in the most vital moments cost them dearly.

In the last quarter, the tension was palpable. With Spain trailing on the scoreboard (84-88), the final seconds of the match were a succession of intense actions. Xabi López-Arostegui, Mario Saint-Supery, and Santi Aldama stood out in this final stretch, but they couldn't prevent Greece, with Giannis Antetokounmpo's dominance in rebounds and scoring ability, from sealing the victory. Despite Spain closing the gap, a couple of decisive errors and poor free-throw shooting sealed the fate of the Spanish team.

Scariolo's Legacy and a New Beginning for Spain

In the closing seconds, the Spanish team tried everything to catch up to Greece, but a series of errors, like a couple of missed attempts by Santi Aldama from the perimeter, and a lack of offensive fluidity, sealed an 86-90 defeat. The elimination was official, and a sense of defeat engulfed all the players and fans who expected much more from the team in this tournament.

This match also marked the farewell of Sergio Scariolo as the coach of the Spanish national team. The Italian coach, who took the helm in 2009, leaves an indelible mark on the history of Spanish basketball. During his tenure, Spain secured Olympic medals (silver in London 2012, bronze in Rio 2016), World Cup titles (gold in 2019), and three European championships (Poland 2009, Lithuania 2011, and Europe 2015). His record also includes a gold in Eurobasket 2022 in Germany, making the elimination in this 2025 edition even more painful.

Under his leadership, Spain reached the podium in nearly all international competitions, becoming one of the most feared and respected national teams globally. However, Scariolo's era at the helm of the national team came to an unexpected end. The elimination in the group stage, the first in Eurobasket history for Spain, is a harsh blow to Spanish basketball.

The defeat against Greece not only marks the end of an era with Scariolo's departure but also the beginning of a new phase for Spanish basketball. The golden generation, which has brought so much joy to fans, is in its final stage, and although figures like Rudy Fernández, Pau Gasol, and Marc Gasol are no longer with the team, the transition to a new generation is inevitable.

The Spanish team, despite being eliminated prematurely, still boasts plenty of talent. Players like Santi Aldama, Willy Hernangómez, and Juancho Hernangómez, among others, have the potential to lead Spain to new horizons. However, a new coach will be needed to handle this transition and build a competitive squad for upcoming international tournaments.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Eurobasket 2025: España paga caro demasiados errores y le da el peor adiós posible a Sergio Scariolo