Spain takes a ‘touch’: “You must score many points if you make so many defensive errors”
Spain fell in its summer debut against Italy (84-87). It is the first step in a short, express preparation that will lead to a second friendly in Alicante and the Pre-Olympic. There will come the moment of truth. Until that moment nothing can be taken as definitive, but in the premiere there are important details (and something else). On the good side, the ability to compete despite no filming. On the other, certain defensive aspects that national coach Sergio Scariolo did not like at all.
You have to score too many points if you make mistakes that cost a lot. We can’t put the scoring pressure on one player’s shoulders.
“We have made clear and identified defensive errors,” explained the Italian coach. That he did not clarify clearly about any of the names, but he did make it clear that there are things to work on. “You have to score too many points if you make costly mistakes. We can’t put the scoring pressure on a player’s shoulders. We must balance everything so that 20 or 25 points do not have to be scored,” he analyzed. In those figures he moved Willy Hernangómez, clearly the highest scorer with 23.
“We don’t like to lose. But here the result is not important. You can see that it is our debut, we have done good things and we still have to toughen the finishes, defensive options and have the experience and attention to not miss advantages,” he added. For this, Lorenzo Brown also arrives. “I hope he joins the team soon,” he said.
“The important thing is not to win now”
From the Spanish locker room, the reflection is similar. “It’s a good dynamic. We know what we have to do and we are on the right track,” said Usman Garuba.. “The objective is not to win now, it is in Valencia. But it is good for us to get rhythm and there is a good team with which it will be noticeable day to day,” he reflected.
The objective is not to win now, that is in Valencia
Victory is very relative. And it was won by a well-rounded and more in tune Italy. “It was difficult for us to get into the rhythm of the competition, but we competed the entire time. There are things to improve, but they are a good team, they came forward and in this way we managed to improve tight match situations. and correct mistakes,” said Xabi López-Arostegui.
