Spain have named their 16-man squad for the World Cup qualifiers but there is no room for the NBA or EuroLeague-based stars.
Speaking at a press conference Spanish Basketball Federation (FEB) president Jorge Garbajosa explained that basketball in the country doesn’t deserve this in regards to not having the best players at their disposal.
But luckily, Spain has a hotbed of talent in the Liga Endesa that can fill the void and represent their country.
“The federation has done everything possible, until the last moment, to find a reasonable and practical solution,” Garbajosa said.
“Spanish basketball does not deserve this, but now our priority is to manage this situation in the best possible way. All the Spanish players have always been an example of dedication and commitment to the national team.
“Putting the players in the dilemma of choosing to play for their club that pays them and for their national team is unjust. Would a player have the will to compete for his national team after having to leave his teammates and his club in order to do this? I don’t think so.”
📝 OFICIAL | La LISTA DEFINITIVA de la #SelMAS 🇪🇸 de cara a los partidos de Clasificación para el @FIBAWC 2019 #SomosEquipo pic.twitter.com/2V3E2fvZ68
— SeBaloncesto – FEB (@baloncestofeb) November 17, 2017
The 16 players called for the November qualifiers are:
Quino Colom, Albert Oliver, Sergi García, Jaime Fernández, Sergi Vidal, Javier Beirán, Oriol Paulí, Xavi Rabaseda, Edgar Vicedo, Xabi López-Arostegui, Nacho Llovet, Sebas Saiz, Álex Suárez, Javi Vega, Fran Vázquez, Víctor Arteaga.
“Fortunately, our basketball is of high level,” explained Garbajosa.
“The talent and enthusiasm of the summoned players assure us that we will have a competitive team. I want to also thank coach Sergio Scariolo for his patience, commitment and professionalism.”
Spain begin their road to the World Cup 2019 in China with a road game against Montenegro next Friday.