Scariolo: 'Pau for Spain is as important as LeBron, Anthony and Wade for Team US

During Euroleague Final Four in Paris-Bercy, Sportando had the opportunity to meet and interview Sergio Scariolo, coach of the Spanish NT and Khimki Moscow.

The Italian coach talked on Euroleague, Khimki, Langford, his future, FIBA World Championship and his return to Italy.

"The Euroleague level was good. The two teams with the highest budget and CSKA Moscow arrived in the Final Four. The real surprise was Partizan Belgrade" said the coach who also spoke on his season with Khimki. "We have to start playoffs in the best way. We have serious problems with injuries. Langford and Jankunas are out since two months and will be sidelined for the beginning of postseason. It will not be easy for us to reach the final again because our playoffs are very difficult. For the first time in Khimki's history we finished the season with the same wins as CSKA Moscow" added the coach who won Eurobasket with Spain last season. "My future? I have two contracts. Another year with Khimki and with FEB to coach the Spanish NT until Olympic Games in London. Langford to Maccabi? It was a mistaken. Langford has another year left on the contract and doesn't have buyout. So, he will stay for sure with us also next season"

Coach Scariolo spoke also about FIBA world Championship. If for Spain is possibile to beat Team USA without LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Dwight Howard.

"First of all, we will see if they really are not going to play. We should not have Pau Gasol. And For us, Pau is as important as LeBron, Anthony and Wade together for Team USA.

Scariolo finished talking about his return to Italy

"I had contacts. I am always pleased to clubs that contact me, but at this step of my career, it is not plausible. As a coach I need a serious and ambitious project and, so far, there are not such projects in Italy, except Siena".