Spain launches its B team with Jaume Ponsarnau at the helm

As part of its long-term preparation strategy, the Spanish men’s national team is establishing a B team, also called « A’ team », which will serve as a talent pool for the main squad. The leadership of this new team has been entrusted to Jaume Ponsarnau, Bilbao’s head coach and former assistant to Sergio Scariolo during the successful European campaigns of 2015 (gold) and 2017 (bronze).

🚨 OFICIAL | #LaFamilia contará con un segundo equipo 👉 España B

🎙️ @sergioscariolo: « Un proyecto importante, novedoso, que viene para quedarse y convertirse en un hábito fundamental » #SomosEquipo

— Baloncesto España (@BaloncestoESP) April 23, 2025

Jaume Ponsarnau, recognized developer, chosen to lead the A’ team

Known for his ability to develop young talent, Ponsarnau will be tasked with nurturing future key players for the A team. This project is designed as a logical continuation of the development policy implemented around the U22s, with an approach less strictly based on age and more on potential to eventually join the main squad.

« This is a very important project for us. We want the men’s national team to have a second team that serves as a talent pool for the senior national team, » explained Sergio Scariolo in an official statement from the Spanish Basketball Federation (FEB). He praised his former assistant’s « great ability to achieve results, but also to develop young players and improve them. »

Joint preparation in summer 2025

The A’ team will benefit from the same conditions as the main squad: joint training camps, shared facilities, and identical playing philosophy. Both teams will meet this summer in Madrid and Malaga, in preparation for EuroBasket 2025. Spain is following a model already adopted in France and the United States, with expanded groups to anticipate future competitions.

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