Chus Mateo

The task ahead of Chus Mateo (Madrid, 1969) is not easy: to return Spain to the fighting ring after three consecutive championships off the podium. This new coach —who’s spent six months on the job so far— is used to challenges and is not backing down. However, he does ask for patience. “You don’t put the cart before the horse… We have to understand the moment we’re in and that the project will need time to take root,” he cautions. Even so, it’s impossible not to be swept up in the enthusiasm he exudes —an enthusiasm that seems to have spread to the players, coaching staff, federation and fans— after an immaculate start: four victories. To achieve his goal, he’s counting on all the Spanish players: “Between us all, with the newcomers forcefully knocking on the door and those more experienced, we’re going to build something special.” If that means crossing the pond to visit the young players who are making their mark in the NCAA —the American college league—, he has the full support of the Spanish Basketball Federation (FEB). And, of course, the support of Iberia, which has been sponsoring the team for years.

After six months as head coach, do you already feel completely part of the team?
Yes, I feel completely part of it because the FEB is giving me all the help I could need. They’re allowing me to take decisions and travel to see the players and talk to them. In short, they’re making it easy for me to work as closely as possible with the players. At the FEB, led by its president, Elisa Aguilar, and its general manager, Óscar Graefenhain, each person has their own style and personality, but there is a broad consensus and constant dialogue. Furthermore, in these six months we have been fortunate to have some successful qualifying windows, which lends the project credibility.

“You don’t put the cart before the horse… We have to understand the moment we’re in and that the project will need time to take root”

People say they’ve never seen you smile so much from the sidelines…
The face is the mirror of the soul… I’m in a good place, both personally and professionally. If I’m seen smiling more, it’s because I feel happy. I’m really enjoying basketball, the training sessions, the games. I'm also really enjoying being with the group, with the guys who came in for the qualifying windows. Plus, I’ve been able to assemble the coaching staff the way I wanted, and I feel very comfortable. And it’s always better to win than to lose; these four victories help us smile a little more.

So far, what aspects of the team have brought you the most satisfaction?
Victories bring confidence, but what comforts me most is seeing the group so united, regardless of the players who came in for each window. Also, their commitment, their understanding that, in this difficult moment, they are the ones who have to take Spain to the World Cup. I’m in love with these guys. I’ve also loved the style of play, it is the kind I like: fresh, joyful, fast-paced, where everyone shares the ball, where no one is more important than anyone else, and where everyone feels useful. The group’s cohesion is wonderful, and I hope we can keep this energy up.

Chus Mateo celebrates one of the victories that kicked off his journey with the national team. © FEB

You’ve declared that you want a 70-player roster, even if only 12 ultimately make the final cut. How do you plan to keep everyone motivated?
I want everyone to feel involved, for anyone to believe they could be called up by the coach to represent Spanish basketball. I like the idea of the national team being made up of all the Spanish players. Our level of basketball is very high, and we’ve proven that even when the pool of available players is smaller. When NBA, NCAA, and EuroLeague players are available, the pool will expand, but anyone can be part of the national team.

You’ve inherited a blossoming team that you’ll be able to shape. What would you like its distinguishing traits to be?
A team under construction needs all its players, those who have just laid the first slabs, but also those who laid them before because they have the experience to know what it takes to win. I like to play collaborative basketball, where everyone feels they can contribute to the team, where everyone has an important role so that, at any given moment, we can win a game. That’s how a team should be built. We aim to play fast-paced basketball, by sharing the ball and with solid rebounds to have more possessions than our opponent. Ultimately, we want basketball that everyone enjoys, where effort is non-negotiable and we give our all on the court.

Without ignoring the high expectations, do you think this Spanish team under your leadership needs to take its time?
I think we need to be aware of the current situation, undoubtedly. It’s a time for change, where we need to restructure things a bit. We’ll have experienced players who have already been part of the national team and others who will be joining us for the first time. Many will need to make mistakes, that is, to experience what others have already gone through. We’ll work on this together, taking our time, but keeping in mind our goals and the immediacy that competition demands.

“I want everyone to feel involved, for any player to believe they could be called up by the coach to represent Spanish basketball”

As the national team coach, would you say it’s good for Spain that there aren’t any major tournaments this year, giving you more time to work?
I would say yes because we need a little more time for the younger players to gain experience and mature. We all like to compete, but we’re already doing that during the qualifying windows. Each window lasts about a week and involves two matches. There’s little time to train, but we’ve already been able to instil certain ideas and imprint some of the style we want the team to have. It’s about making the most of our time.

Chus Mateo gives instructions to his players during a timeout. © FEB

In your early days, you worked with youth teams and have always had a good eye for young players. How do you spot talent?
I think there’s nothing easy about spotting talent. Often, you have to let the process run its course to see how far a player can go. Many show promise at the beginning but then don’t achieve the desired outcome. Others mature more slowly, reaching their full potential later on. You have to be patient. We’re very quick to judge whether a player will make it or not, and it’s best to avoid those assertions, lest you have to eat your words. There are a number of qualities that help identify talent. Beyond good individual technique, it’s about knowing how to use those skills at the right time. It also has to do with competitive spirit, not backing down in crucial moments. And, of course, making the right decisions quickly during an increasingly fast-paced and competitive game.

Several young Spanish players have landed in the NCAA. Is it a good place for talent to grow?
Some players are training in the United States, and I think that’s great. They choose to go there because it allows them to combine the sport they love with an academic education. Now there’s also a financial incentive, but ultimately, what they’re looking for is the best way to develop their basketball skills. It’s up to us to adapt to this new scenario. At the FEB, we’re implementing a new approach that allows us to spot talent beyond our borders. We’re crossing the pond to talk to the players, their coaches, their trainers, and get to know them personally. We’re not going to dump them just because they’re going to train elsewhere.

Most coaches are former players. In your case, how did basketball come into your life?
As a child, I played chess, and I really enjoyed the strategy of preparing a plan or changing it during the game. I think chess and basketball have that in common; your players are pawns, and you use them in the best way possible to defeat your opponent. Eventually, I stopped playing chess and started playing basketball, but I realised that I wasn’t going to get very far as a player. Besides, I had certain coaches who inspired me to pursue it. I started coaching at 16, and my passion hasn’t changed; it’s still as strong as ever. I do what I love, and I feel fortunate to be able to make a living from it.