The Spanish Basketball Federation (FEB) is approaching a pivotal moment as it prepares to appoint a new head coach for the men’s senior national team.
With Chus Mateo and Pablo Laso widely regarded as the frontrunners, the decision is proving far from straightforward and carries long-term implications for the future of La Familia.
The change comes after a disappointing EuroBasket 2025 campaign, where outgoing head coach Sergio Scariolo – who oversaw Spain’s most successful era – saw his final tournament end abruptly.
Spain finished with a 2–3 record in Limassol’s Group C and exited in the first round, ranking 17th overall. It was a bitter end for the 64-year-old Italian tactician, whose 15-year tenure brought four EuroBasket titles, a FIBA World Cup gold, and multiple Olympic medals.
Scariolo has since returned to club basketball, confirmed earlier this summer as the new head coach of Real Madrid, stepping in for Mateo.
Meanwhile, Laso, a two-time EuroLeague champion and long-time Real Madrid coach, recently left Baskonia and is strongly linked with the Spain job.
The FEB must weigh his extensive experience against Mateo’s credentials, as the former Madrid play-caller is also available following his departure from the club.
According to Marca, Xavi Pascual and Jaume Ponsarnau are also under consideration, adding further complexity to the selection process.
The decision extends beyond short-term tournaments.
The next head coach will lead Spain into the FIBA World Cup 2027 Qualifiers, which also serve as a pathway to the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games and, ultimately, EuroBasket 2029 – where Spain will enjoy the privilege of playing on home soil.
FEB president Elisa Aguilar is expected to announce the appointment soon.
Among the candidates, Mateo (56), Laso (57), and Pascual are free agents, making them easier to hire. Ponsarnau (54), however, remains under contract with Surne Bilbao, which could complicate negotiations.
Whoever takes the role will immediately face challenges: the World Cup Qualifiers begin this November, and as is customary, NBA and EuroLeague players will be unavailable due to overlapping schedules.
A new coach capable of full-time commitment will be essential to guide a transitional roster, develop future stars, and ensure Spain remains competitive at the highest international level.
🇪🇸 Pablo Laso and Chus Mateo lead the race to the head-coaching position of the Spanish NT #FIBAhttps://t.co/vgZyvsTI2p
— Eurohoops (@Eurohoopsnet) September 17, 2025
