Sergio Scariolo highlighted Spain's character in the game against Team USA, despite the loss, and gave updates on Sergio Llull's and Usman Garuba's condition.
Spain suffered their first loss in their World Cup prep games, losing 98-88 to Team USA in Malaga. The reigning world and European champions had a solid chance to win the contest, but collapsed on both ends in the final stretch.
Now, Spain has two more friendlies to play in Granada, against Canada and the Dominican Republic, before focusing on the trip to Jakarta.
From his part, Sergio Scariolo will need to cut down the roster to 12, taking into account the condition of Sergio Llull and Usman Garuba. However, the Italian coach doesn't seem to be particularly worried about the two players' status.
"Sergio Llull is close [to returning]," he said. "In Granada, we believe that he will be able to play minutes. He has nothing serious and we must evaluate his condition along with the medical team", Scariolo confirmed about the veteran guard.
Llull hasn't appeared in any prep game yet and needs to get some playing time before the squad leaves for Asia. As far as Garuba, Scariolo was even more reassuring, saying that he could have played against the US team.
Scariolo confessed he was pleasantly surprised by the way Spain fought against Team USA, despite the outcome.
"We reached a level of competitiveness that's not supposed to be there," he argued. "The attitude is unbeatable, the effort was there. We competed against a team that can beat any rival by 30," he continued.
The tactician also stressed that there was no specific preparation for the match.
"We didn't prepare ourselves tactically against the United States. If we had opted for zone defense or adjustments, we could have done so. But it's a friendly game, although it makes us better than we were. For instance, we have to improve in 2-point shots and free throws," Scariolo explained in the presser.
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