The Illes Balears Tournament in Inca marks the formal start of the Spanish women’s basketball team’s preparation for this summer’s EuroBasket. They will play their only home friendly against fierce rivals Greece and Italy.
The team led by coach Miguel Mendez has already finished 10 days of training centered on improving team tactics and physical preparedness. The squad includes six players who are spending their first summer with the senior national team, a number of fresh faces, and other players who have been sidelined by injury. The two-year veteran Spain manager Mendez has warned of a “missile to the team’s core” but has created other possibilities throughout his time in charge.
After losing to Belgium in the quarterfinals of the 2024 Summer Olympics and taking home a silver medal from the 2023 Eurobasket, Mendez looks for ways to keep his team’s confidence high. Raquel Carrera and Maite Cazorla are still questionable, and the squad will be missing Megan Gustafson, Queralt Casas, and Maria Conde. However, the objective of earning a medal is still in place.
Spain will play four warm-up games before their EuroBasket debut against Great Britain in Hamburg on June 19: Greece at 19:00 tonight and Italy at 20:00 on Sunday in Inca. On June 10, they will play the host country in Portugal, and on June 11, they will play Switzerland. The continental competition also includes these four opponents.
Spain is dedicated to a demanding preparation at the Palau Municipal d’Esports in Inca, where they will also have home fan support for the final time before the competition, despite sore legs from the continuing camp.
Leaders of Spain’s new generation, Alba Torrens, the team captain, and Helena Pueyo, a potential local star, will play at home. Mendez’s intentions are anticipated to heavily feature both Mallorcan players.
Spain’s test is in the paint against Greece, who will host the tournament’s final round. Around 18-year-old Awa Fam, who might be crucial for Spain, good defensive support will be needed to complement Mariella Fasoula and Artemis Spanou’s excellent inside game.
