Spain basketball team begins FIBA World Cup qualifying preparations

The Spanish national basketball team has convened in Zaragoza to begin the second phase of the FIBA World Cup Qualifiers. Led by coach Chus Mateo, the squad currently leads Group I with a 5-1 record.

Spain is scheduled to face Portugal on August 28 in Zaragoza, followed by a match against Greece in Athens on August 31. The top three teams from Group I will secure direct qualification for the World Cup.

The 14-player roster includes several notable names such as Juancho Hernangomez, Santi Yusta, and rising talents like Baba Miller and Hugo Gonzalez. Valencia Basket is heavily represented in the call-up, with players Alvaro Cardenas, Mario Saint-Supéry, Jaime Pradilla, and Sergio de Larrea all participating. Diego Niebla was also added to the group to assist in training following his performance at the U18 EuroBasket. Santi Aldama was excluded from this window due to ongoing recovery from surgery.