New Era for Spanish Basketball Kicks Off in Tenerife with New Coach Mateo

A new chapter for Spanish basketball began this Tuesday in Tenerife. This was how Elisa Aguilar, president of the Spanish Basketball Federation, marked the start of a new era at the presentation of Spain's only home game in the upcoming national team window this November. After playing Denmark in Farum on Thursday, November 27th, Spain will host Georgia at the Santiago Martín arena in La Laguna on Sunday, November 30th, at 6:45 PM.

This match against Georgia will be the first home game for the new national coach, Chus Mateo, who takes over from the highly successful Sergio Scariolo, the most decorated coach in the history of "La Familia." Spain's return to Tenerife, where they last played in February 2019 to secure a World Cup spot, is a significant event, especially with a new coach at the helm. The presentation itself was a grand affair, held on Tuesday at the Tenerife Exhibition Centre, with many prominent figures in attendance. This included Aguilar, Chus Mateo, the vice president of the Island Council, Lope Afonso, and various public officials and representatives from island and regional basketball. Among them were the Minister of Sports and former player Yolanda Moliné, the president of La Laguna Tenerife, Aniano Cabrera, the CEO of Ideco and former vice president of the Spanish Federation, Manolo Gómez, and the vice president of the Canary Islands Federation, Luciano Garabote.

In a room filled with familiar faces, media representatives, and a large delegation from the mainland Spanish Federation, Aguilar spoke first. Her speech, a blend of professionalism and warmth, began by stating it was a day to be remembered. "This is one of those days when a chapter of firsts opens," she said, referring to Mateo announcing his first squad for the national team.

Aguilar described the Georgia match as "a spectacle worthy of the venue," the Santiago Martín arena, a place known for hosting top-level basketball. "Something magical happens when we return to Tenerife. This is a place we feel is our home. Even though a lot of time has passed, it feels like we saw each other yesterday," she added warmly. She also acknowledged Lope Afonso and Manolo Gómez, emphasizing that "the important thing about institutions are the people who lead them. They are the ones who have made it possible for us to be here like this."

Aguilar, keeping her speech brief at under five minutes, concluded by highlighting the importance of Chus Mateo's roster. "I am privileged because I already know it," she joked, smiling. "I can tell you that we are in the best hands. The tradition of success of our jersey carries a lot of weight, but I have no doubt about Chus's leadership capabilities," she affirmed confidently.

Lope Afonso, smiling at Aguilar's compliments, then took the floor. "Tenerife once again asserts itself as an island of basketball," he stated. "Memories come to mind, like the games in 2018 and 2019, which were the prelude to the World Cup that we ended up winning in China. Hopefully, Tenerife will be a good omen again. In these times, sport is an industry, but also a showcase for the values that 'La Familia' represents," he added.

The former mayor of Puerto de la Cruz called it "a success" to have secured the island for the senior men's national team's path. "We are facing a great opportunity. A match with great appeal that will be widely reciprocated by the Tenerife fans," he assured, before wishing Mateo luck. "May his career be as long and fruitful as his predecessor's. We know it won't be easy, but hopefully, it will be."

Chus Mateo, looking confident and aware of his new responsibilities, then spoke for the first time as the national team's leader. His initial message was one of hope, especially after the disappointment of the last Eurobasket. "I am struck by the contact I have had with all the players. I have found everyone with extraordinary commitment. I have conveyed my enthusiasm to the players, and they have conveyed theirs to me," explained the Madrid native.

When asked about his approach, Mateo recalled a recent conversation with the legendary Svetislav Pesic. "We don't have many training days, and we need to get straight to the point and try to get to know each other as quickly as possible. About a month ago, during the Spanish Federation's Hall of Fame ceremony, Pesic approached me and gave me some advice: 'Chus, don't train too much. Try to create a lot of atmosphere.' And that's what I want, a very cohesive group. I want the players to feel the same pride I feel when defending their country."

From a sporting perspective, the former Real Madrid coach emphasized that he doesn't want the national team to be "Chus Mateo's team." "I want to be as practical as possible to bring out the best in each player. I want the players to be themselves."

Finally, Mateo expressed his full confidence that the Tenerife public would welcome the national team with great enthusiasm. "I have visited as an opponent a few times at the Santiago Martín, and [he laughs], it has never been easy. Because of the level of the players and how well-coached they are, but also because of the atmosphere in the arena. I am sure it will be the same with the national team. They are used to Txus, and now they will see a Chus," he concluded with a smile.

The people of Tenerife and the Canary Islands are expected to turn out in large numbers for the Spanish national team's visit. With just over a week to go until the match, tickets are almost sold out, with only a few remaining in three of the 40 sections of the Santiago Martín Insular Pavilion. "Almost everything is already sold out; we expect to reach a 'sold out'," Aguilar confirmed. Only a handful of tickets are left in the upper tier. The ticket prices are very affordable, costing ten euros plus a three-euro management fee, totaling thirteen euros. Tickets can be purchased through the Federation's website or via the link feb.entradas.plus/entradas/es.