Today begins a new era in Spanish basketball. Chus Mathieu, after the end of the successful Sergio Scariolo era, makes his debut as new national coach against Denmark (6:30 p.m., Teledeporte), match Qualifiers for the 2027 World Cup From Qatar. For such … In the company, the Madrid native has drawn up a more stimulating roster despite the obvious limitations imposed on him by the calendar (again, there will be neither NBA nor EuroLeague players).
A group with several profiles including Tenacity Francis Alonso (Malaga, 29 years old)a child prodigy from the Unicaja youth academy, who crossed the Atlantic at the age of 19 to gain a foothold in the American collegiate league. Now back in Spain, and having played for Fuenlabrada, Oviedo, Bilbao and Estudiantes, he has shone brightly this season at Riogan de Lugo, where his scoring ability (14.1 points per game, second best mark by a Spanish player in the ACB) and his three-point shooting accuracy (50%) have enabled him to receive the call of national duty once again.
– A few years ago, Dzanan Musa said that the best thing about Lugo, besides Briogan and his fans, was the octopus. Does it match?
-Obviously I ate it, I’ve tried a lot of octopus since I lived in Lugo, I can vouch for that. I loved it at first, so I was pleased. But well, I think in addition to the food, I was very impressed by the people and the very peaceful city. There is a lot to see, it has stunning landscapes and natural parks. The truth is, I’m very comfortable.
-He is the second best Spanish scorer in the ACB and with Briogan he is close to the Copa del Rey positions. Do you think you are at the best moment in your career?
-Honestly, I don’t know if it’s over the years or because of experience, but for a long time I’ve always tried to live in the present. It is true that I am experiencing a good moment, but I try not to celebrate it too much, and I also try not to drown in the bad moments. I simply want to live in the present and try to support the team as much as I can. I came to Brewgan to help the team, but always had the ambition to aspire to more.
-Apart from the humility, his level was very high in the first months of the season and he was rewarded with selection. Where were you when you got the call?
-Choice called me on the phone. First, introduce yourself. Well, I already knew him, but I wanted to create a new relationship as a coach. I was at home, resting after training, and he told me there was a chance I could call him up. Indeed, after the victory over Murcia, he told me the news. It was a good day.
-What was your first contact with him when he started focusing in Guadalajara?
-Chos is a coach who brings a lot of confidence to the player, in these first training sessions we all felt very comfortable with him. He knows us and we know what we can contribute. It provides a lot of freedom within the system and organization. But if I had to define him in two words, it would be calm and confident.
-Proximity too? He was always very affectionate with reporters, which is not a common trait among high-level coaches.
-We already know that when it comes to coaches and players, there are all colors. In this aspect, Cho is a person first and a coach second. What I said is a great example, he has no other role, he is the same on and off the field.
-Did you tell them what type of team you want your team to be?
-Well, for now, the main concept he is conveying to us is that we should be together. I think the team did a good job in that aspect. This has always been a family and he wants us to continue with that mentality, and he wants us to show it is on the right track. It will be a free game, a game in which we can show our best assets. We want to run, move the ball and take advantage of the positions of the pitchers and fielders. I think it will be a happy and fun style to watch.
-They are about to start the World Cup qualifying stage. Do you feel tingling in your body?
-I think there is always this tickling feeling when representing the national team, it is a wonderful opportunity and a dream that we players constantly keep in mind. Moreover, fighting for a place in the World Cup… once you say that, one knows how important it is. So, yes, there is that tingle, but it’s also balanced with the enjoyment of the experience.
-You, Santi Justa, Jaime Pradilla, Pep Busquets… Has the Spaniard been reborn in the ACB league?
– Obviously our league is very difficult, and over the years, I think the Spaniard has had more problems when it comes to getting more opportunities and finding his place in clubs. But currently there are profiles that contain distance and minutes. It’s all about the teams first, and we must give them credit for betting on the national player. And secondly, thanks to the work of the athletes themselves, they have earned it on the track and during the summers, those months when we are not on television but when we all work hard to then stand out when it is time to get on stage.
– What remains of that boy who went to the United States in search of adventure?
-I think a lot. I am grateful every day that I made this decision, and I believe it has helped me become the man I am today. Obviously, leaving your comfort zone and digging for beans is always a good choice and a sign of maturity. It’s an experience I would recommend to everyone.