WARSAW, Poland: The European basketball championship opens Monday with Spain once again starting out as the clear favorite.
The Spaniards enter the tournament with a squad laden with NBA talent and the desire to finally win a European title after losing in the final at home two years ago.
L.A. Lakers center Pau Gasol leads the team, which lost to the United States 118-107 in a close gold medal game at last year’s Beijing Olympics. Gasol is joined by Portland Trail Blazers guard Rudy Fernandez and Memphis Grizzlies forward Marc Gasol. Spain, which won the world title in 2006, hopes that its talent and international experience will finally result in a European title.
But the Spaniards, who have been runner-up six times, are wary of being tabbed the tournament favorite in Poland.
Spain hosted the 2007 edition of the competition, only to be upset by Russia 60-59 in the final. “Two years ago we were also favorites and we know what happened,” coach Sergio Scariolo said. “Winning titles isn’t so easy.” Spain’s chances shouldn’t be hampered by a minor injury to Pau Gasol. The Lakers’ center had minor surgery on his left index finger last month after injuring it in practice, and should be ready to lead the team when it opens play in Group C against Serbia on Monday.
“It’s not exactly what we wished for, but instead of feeling sorry for ourselves over what happened, we’ve tried to find the right solution,” Scariolo said. “Our idea is that Marc (Gasol) and Felipe (Reyes) can’t limit themselves to believing they’re just substitutes for Pau.”
Defending champion Russia begins its title defense against Latvia in Group B, but without Utah Jazz forward Andrei Kirilenko, who averaged 18 points per game and earned tournament MVP honors in 2007.
In what could have been an intriguing matchup, France opens against Germany in the other half of Group B. San Antonio Spurs point guard Tony Parker leads France, which will look to get back on the podium after dropping to eighth place two years ago.
Germany, however, will be without its NBA star, Dirk Nowitzki. The Dallas Mavericks forward led all scorers at the 2007 championships with 24 points per game, but Mavericks owner Mark Cuban has refused to allow him to play in the tournament.
Greece, the 2005 champion, opens the tournament against Macedonia in Group A, where Croatia also takes on Israel.
In Group D, traditional power Lithuania opens against host Poland, and Turkey takes on Bulgaria.
The top three teams from each group advance to two six-team qualifying-round groups. The top four teams from each group - taking into account results from the preliminary rounds — advance to the quarterfinals. The final will be played in Katowice on Sept. 20.
