Sergio Scariolo leading the Spanish national team, a tenure marked by unprecedented success.
Sergio Scariolo, a name synonymous with European basketball excellence, is on the cusp of a significant career shift. After more than a decade of unparalleled success at the helm of the Spanish national team, the esteemed Italian coach is set to conclude his tenure with the upcoming European Championship. His next destination? A highly anticipated return to Real Madrid, a club he last coached over two decades ago. This transition marks the closing of a golden era for Spanish basketball and the dawn of a new, ambitious chapter for one of Europe`s most decorated strategists.
A Dynasty Forged: Spain`s Enduring Legacy
Scariolo`s time with the Spanish national team has been nothing short of transformative. Since taking over in 2009, he has cultivated a winning culture that transcends individual talent, unifying multiple generations of players into a cohesive, dominant force. When he first arrived, the squad possessed immense technical skill but arguably lacked the competitive edge and ambition to consistently claim titles. Under his guidance, the `80s generation—featuring legends like Pau Gasol, Juan Carlos Navarro, and Jose Calderon—began to believe that victory wasn`t just a dream, but an achievable reality.
This belief, rooted in a willingness to “sacrifice a bit of oneself for the team,” became a foundational principle, a self-sustaining culture passed down through the ranks. It`s a testament to Scariolo`s leadership that this ethos has persevered, enabling Spain to maintain its elite status year after year, regardless of roster changes. The upcoming EuroBasket will be a final showcase of this enduring spirit under his leadership.
The EuroBasket Challenge and a Familiar Face
Before embarking on his Real Madrid journey, Scariolo will navigate a challenging EuroBasket group in Cyprus, where his Spanish side will face his home country, Italy. He speaks warmly of his encounters with Italian coach Gianmarco Pozzecco, describing their “coffees” as hours of candid conversation and laughter. “We are people capable of defusing things,” Scariolo notes, highlighting a mutual respect and shared understanding of the coaching profession. He acknowledges Italy as a formidable opponent, a team that strikes “the right balance between high-level veterans and young players with great futures.” The group, he predicts, will be intensely competitive, with even qualification for Riga being “an achievement” given the strength of the contenders, excluding only a seemingly “out of reach” Greece.
Scariolo`s expressive presence on the sidelines is a hallmark of his coaching style.
Real Madrid Calling: Ambition and a New Mission
The allure of Real Madrid proved irresistible for Scariolo. He describes it as “the right opportunity, interesting and attractive.” The club`s rich history, present stature, and palpable “desire for the future” resonated deeply with him. Real Madrid aims to rejuvenate its roster while maintaining immediate competitiveness, a delicate balance Scariolo is eager to strike.
For the first time in his illustrious career, he confesses, he will coach a team whose primary mission is to win the EuroLeague. While he approaches this statement with a characteristic degree of caution, acknowledging other teams with superior investments, he firmly believes in Real Madrid`s potential. Bolstered by tradition, ambition, and a roster of players imbued with a winning mentality, the goal is clear: “we want to climb that step.” His enthusiasm for this new challenge is palpable.
Working with Sergio “Chacho” Rodriguez, now Real Madrid`s Sporting Director, has been a pleasant surprise for Scariolo. He commends the club for recognizing Rodriguez`s talent off the court, noting that the former player “already seems like a veteran” in his new role. Rodriguez`s rare leadership qualities as a player—never jealous of starting five, immediate impact, making teammates “happy”—set a high standard, making him an “excellent example” in his new administrative capacity.
Reflections on Italian Chapters and the NBA Dream
Scariolo`s return to EuroLeague will see him face Milano and Bologna, two of his former Italian clubs, from which his departures were, as he mildly puts it, “a bit eventful.” True to his nature, he harbors no resentment, though he acknowledges differing professional philosophies. Having spent the majority of his career between Spain and the NBA, he admits to finding himself occasionally out of sync with certain Italian basketball environments. Nevertheless, positive memories far outweigh any past difficulties, a testament to his balanced perspective.
A moment of reflection for the seasoned coach.
The NBA, a perennial dream for many coaches, was a genuine possibility for Scariolo. He recounts the moment he truly believed it could happen: when he was among the final two candidates for the Toronto Raptors` head coaching position. Initially skeptical that an European coach would be chosen, reaching that final stage made him truly hopeful. The universe, however, had a rather blunt sense of humor. The negative news from the Raptors arrived “exactly ten minutes after City`s goal against my beloved Inter in the 2023 Champions League final.” He laughs, concluding, “One of those days when it`s better not to get out of bed.” A dual blow, expertly delivered by the unpredictable forces of both basketball and football.
Evolving Philosophy: Influencing, Not Commanding
When asked what he would take from his 29-year-old self, who won the Scudetto in his debut season with Pesaro, Scariolo wryly replies, “Only the age!” His extensive career has imparted two invaluable lessons. First, coaching is not about commanding, but about influencing. “It`s much more important, and lasting, to be able to have a positive impact instead of imposing something.” This subtle shift from authoritarianism to persuasion underscores a profound evolution in his approach.
Secondly, and perhaps even more critically, he`s learned that “it`s much more relevant to listen than to talk.” Players, he emphasizes, offer a wealth of information: “about what they think, what motivates them, how to relate to them. Often it is much better to open your ears than your mouth.” This philosophy, born from decades on the sidelines, highlights a deep understanding of human psychology within the high-pressure world of professional sports.
As Sergio Scariolo prepares for his final act with Spain and his return to the Real Madrid dugout, his journey continues to exemplify adaptability, strategic brilliance, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. The EuroBasket will serve as a poignant farewell, while Real Madrid awaits the seasoned maestro, ready to chase new heights under his renowned guidance.
Gilbert Pendleton