Spanish federation president hopeful of Scariolo's extension, Brown's presence in Olympic QT / News - Basketnews.com

Spanish Basketball Federation president Elisa Aguilar touched on the talks she's had with Sergio Scariolo about his contract extension and Lorenzo Brown about his participation in the Olympic Qualifying Tournament. She also opened up on how the FEB dealt with the delicate case of Ricky Rubio.

Credit: Oscar J. Barroso/Europa Press via Getty Images Credit Oscar J. Barroso/Europa Press via Getty Images

Elisa Aguilar has only been in office for four and a half months, but the former Spanish NT player and current president of the federation has a lot of issues to deal with.

Lorenzo Brown

Team:Maccabi Playtika Tel AvivPosition:PGAge:33Height:198 cmWeight:90 kgBirth place:Georgia, United States of AmericaProfileNewsStatistics

Sergio Scariolo's contract extension and Lorenzo Brown's presence in the Pre-Olympic tournament to be held in Valencia next June are two of the thorny issues.

"I said it from day one. The priority is for Sergio to be the coach for the next four years," Aguilar clarified in an interview with AS.

"Not only in his capacity as a coach, but in terms of the direction he gives to young people at practice. He knows what our intention is and I also know that the FEB is very important to him. Now it is more a question of timing," the 47-year-old executive added.

"I am convinced that in the end we will reach a successful conclusion and there will be an agreement with Scariolo. If he didn't want to be there, we would already know. He knows that this is his family, he has been here for many years and in no case is he going to harm the FEB with his decision," Aguilar continued.

"There is no deadline for the extension. I am convinced that before long we will be able to say something."

Asked whether Lorenzo Brown will be joining the squad for the Olympic Qualifying Tournament, Aguilar said the federation has had 'periodic' contact with the player.

"We put ourselves at his service when the conflict in Israel and Gaza exploded. When Maccabi came to play in Madrid, I had a coffee with him and Lorenzo's predisposition is, 100%, to be in the Pre-Olympic in Valencia," she stressed.

Aguilar noted that the FEBhas been close to Ricky Rubio from the first moment he announced he was taking time off basketball.

Lorenzo Brown

MIN:30.02PTS:13.29 (46.18%)REB:2.71As:6.17ST:1.13BL:0.04TO:3GM:24ProfileEuroLeague2023/2024

"First, by putting at his disposal all the tools he needed. Once I became president, I wanted to know through messages how he was doing. In the end, we saw that the outcome was positive. He confirmed to us that he wanted to return, be in the FIBA window, and start a new era after recovering."

Aguilar pointed out that Rubio's return "is the best news we could get."

"First, because he recovered, which is the primary and important thing. And apart from the basketball-related part, there is an important message in Ricky's bravery. He said, 'I have to stop because I am not well.'

Athletes are people, they have processes, better and worse times, and Ricky has been brave," she noted.

Aguilar assured that the 2019 World Cup MVP feels protected within the realm of the Spanish NT and seems to enjoying his presence.

Did you expect it so soon? Scariolo did say that “there will be a time when Ricky will want to come back,” but for a time there was little information.

"He knew that the decision was his and that as soon as he was well, he would return. Had he not returned, the FEB would be eternally grateful for everything he has given us and because he is part of our family. The fact that he saw the stands full and Zaragoza showed him all the affection is the best demonstration of how much he is loved."

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