Spain’s Basketball Future Begins in Guadalajara: Mateo Names Squad for 2027 World Cup Qualification
Guadalajara, Spain – November 21, 2023 – A new chapter is dawning for Spanish men’s basketball. Today, Chus Mateo, the newly appointed head coach, announced his 14-man roster for the upcoming FIBA World Cup 2027 qualification games against Denmark and Georgia. This marks a significant shift following the legendary tenure of Sergio Scariolo, and the team will begin preparations in the vibrant city of Guadalajara, a location already fondly remembered by basketball fans for hosting a memorable friendly against Argentina last summer. This is breaking news for basketball enthusiasts and a key moment for SEO tracking of Spanish national team performance.
Guadalajara: A Symbolic Start for a New Era
The Spanish team will convene in Guadalajara on Monday, November 24th, utilizing the Multipurpose Pavilion – the very arena where Scariolo oversaw one of his final games with the national squad. The choice of Guadalajara isn’t merely logistical; it’s a nod to the history and passion for basketball within the city. The team’s time in Guadalajara will be crucial for building team cohesion before heading to Farum, Denmark, for their qualification opener on Thursday, November 27th (6:30 PM local time). Following the Denmark clash, Spain will return to European soil to face Georgia in Tenerife on Sunday, November 30th (7:45 PM local time). Ukraine also features in their qualifying group, adding another layer of competition.
Mateo’s Roster: A Blend of Experience and New Faces
Mateo’s initial squad features a mix of established players and exciting newcomers. Only Santi Yusta remains from the last official match under Scariolo, signaling a clear intent to build a fresh identity. The roster includes:
- Alberto Diaz (Unicaja)
- Alvaro Cardenas (Peristeri, Greece)
- Luis Costa (Covirán Granada)
- Jaime Fernandez (La Laguna Tenerife)
- Francis Alonso (Breogán River)
- Pep Busquets (Basketball Girona)
- Santi Yusta (Casademont Zaragoza)
- Alex Reyes (BAXI Manresa)
- Oriol Paulí (Hiopos Lleida)
- Dani Diez (San Pablo Burgos)
- Miquel Salvo (Dreamland Gran Canaria)
- Be Almansa (Real Madrid)
- Great Osobor (Basket Science City Jena, Germany)
- Fran Guerra (The Tenerife Lagoon)
Miguel Gonzalez (Casademont Zaragoza) and Miguel Allen (Joventut) have been invited as guests, with Mateo needing to trim two players from the final lineup for each game. This strategic approach allows for flexibility and assessment of talent.
Navigating the Challenges: EuroLeague & NBA Absences
The selection process wasn’t without its hurdles. The absence of key players currently competing in the EuroLeague and NBA presents a significant challenge. Mateo, however, is embracing the opportunity to evaluate emerging talent and build depth within the squad. This situation is common in FIBA windows, forcing national teams to rely on players outside of the top-tier professional leagues. Understanding the FIBA qualification system is key for fans – these windows are crucial stepping stones towards major international tournaments like the World Cup and the Olympics. For those interested in following the qualification process, the FIBA website (https://www.fiba.basketball/) provides comprehensive schedules and results.
A Foundation Built on Support
Mateo’s appointment and the team’s preparations are being fully supported by the Spanish Basketball Federation, led by President Elisa Aguilar, and the government of the Canary Islands, with Lope Domingo Alonso, Vice President of the Cabildo, playing a key role. The second game in Tenerife underscores the Canary Islands’ commitment to basketball and its role in fostering the sport’s growth within Spain. This collaborative effort highlights the importance of national and regional partnerships in achieving success on the international stage.
As Spain embarks on this new journey under Chus Mateo, the focus shifts to building a competitive team capable of navigating the challenges ahead and securing a spot in the 2027 World Cup. The Guadalajara training camp represents not just a preparation period, but a symbolic passing of the torch, ushering in a new era for Spanish basketball – one brimming with potential and promise. Stay tuned to archyde.com for continued coverage of Spain’s qualification campaign and the latest developments in the world of sports.
