Spain will arrive with a smile Valencia Pre-Olympic. It’s-74 soon and the cooking is slow, but the selection beat the Dominican Republic (84) at the Pedro Ferrándiz in Alicante, grew in image and intonation, and allows himself to smile after five consecutive defeats. In a tough clash, fighting for every ball, but in which his play and energy were appearing. Something to expect to see when the ticket to Paris 2024 is on the table.
The work is coming to light. Obviously, and as Sergio Scariolo does not hesitate to mention, there are problems with both talent and points, but Spain must do the rest. It was a good example to build the clash on Alicante soil. Because Lorenzo Brown took points (14) and clarity in the game, but the improvement of Aldama and Garuba were notable, Rudy Fernández was outstanding and Sergio De Larrea gave a great debut.
Lorenzo gives another air to Spain
Spain continues to have to grow. But much of what it is will happen through Lorenzo Brown. With very few training sessions he already led Scariolo’s team, scored five points and was the balance against the bravery and physicality of the Dominican Republic at the start (12-12, 5′). With a Spain that is shaping things up, like Llull as a starter next to the brand new Panathinaikos point guard or Juancho Hernangómez in the ‘4’.
When he sat down, the traffic jam came, in a way. A triple from Rudy (of course) and three free throws from Alberto Díaz relieved him (23-24, 10′) to avoid a start similar to that of the match against Italy. Although it is evident that there are key pieces in Spain, like the Hernangómez brothers quite missing (four points from Juancho and two from Willy) in the first partwhich have to connect on both sides of the court.
Spain finds energy
At the same time, in Alicante Yes, another tone appeared in terms of energy and legs. The one of Aldama, Garuba and Pradilla balanced the balance, which had been unbalanced by the indecipherable Chris Duarte, and two geniuses from Jean Montero and Andrés Feliz. He even allowed them to play with five without a center and with good contribution from Sergio De Larrea (43-38, 20′). Five in a row from the jewel of Valencia Basket relaunched Spain at half-time.
He even seemed to hold his own at the start of the second half.. Because although Dominican trusted the magic of Montero and the intensity of Duarte and Núñez, Spain found a solution. Brown returned with a triple and dunkthe Hernangómez accompanied when entering the real game (54-53, 26′).
But it was by no means broken. Although he caused another pull without the American on the track. Garuba gave it, pure intensity on both sides. And the eternal Rudy, with a triple at the buzzer in the third quarter (63-57, 30′). The best news from a Spain in another tone. With much room for improvement.
A hard-fought victory
It will give you the minutes and the work of Scariolo on the blackboard. Although for now you can see how the field is singing Spain. The Dominican Republic did not lose its internal strength and search to bother the Spanish rebound, but in the fourth quarter his plan fell apart. Without scoring there is no paradise. And ‘La Familia’ read it with the triples from Brizuela and Díaz to open the margin (71-60, 33′).
Spain no longer got off the positive wave. Aldama and Garuba multiplied, Rudy hit another triple that completely blew up the game. It was the necessary change of pace. Cutting off any attack from a Dominican Republic overwhelmed by fouls and failures, and a comfortable Spain. With its tempo and its style.
The final 84-74 is the best way to face the future. What’s coming is even harder, more dangerous and demands more attitude and talent. But Spain improved and grew. With a good Lorenzo Brown, the attitude of the Aldama and Garuba, and the ability to finish the game – that thing with the fang – when it was demanded. Spain breathes.
