Mario Saint-Supéry
Youth take over
At the tender age of 19, Mario Saint-Supéry is facing a major challenge: taking the reins of the Spanish national team in the EuroBasket, alongside the also-incredibly-young Sergio de Larrea. A dream come true that he faces with fearless enthusiasm. This point guard from Málaga is one of the talented youths that Spanish basketball treasures, one of those called to take over from a generation that amazed a country… and the entire world.
The Spanish national basketball team looks to the future while keeping an eye on the present. The present is called EuroBasket and will be held between the 27th of August and the 14th of September in four host countries: Latvia, Cyprus, Finland and Poland. The future is represented by Sergio de Larrea and the star of this interview, Mario Saint-Supéry (Málaga, 2006). After a series of setbacks—from Lorenzo Brown’s withdrawal to Alberto Díaz’s injury—, two under-twenty-year-olds will lead La Familia [The Family], the nickname Spain is known for, on the court. “Circumstances have led to Sergio [de Larrea] and I having more responsibility in the team than we thought. We know what we’re capable of and our coach knows we’ll give our all,” Mario declares, unintimidated by what’s to come. In his last pre-tournament meeting with Spain, Sergio Scariolo—who’s leaving the national team to lead Real Madrid—, has conveyed his absolute confidence in the team’s youngest players. “Coach has told me I’m up to the task and that he trusts me 100%. He wouldn’t have bet on me otherwise. He thinks I need to keep it simple, contribute through defence, get the team organized to attack and prove what I’m capable of.”
Since his debut with Unicaja—the youngest to do so at the age of 15, 11 months and two days—, Mario hasn’t stopped growing, especially during his last year in Manresa: “It’s been my first full season as a professional and I was lucky to continue with Diego Ocampo [the coach of Baxi Manresa]. This helped me to believe in myself and my game. I try to be better every day and I think I achieved this last season. Now it’s time to continue.” Mario is, alongside Izan Almansa, Hugo González, Lucas Langarita, Baba Miller, Isaac Nogués, Great Osobor, Rafa Villar, Álvaro Folgueiras or Aday Mara, one of the diamonds in the rough treasured by Spanish basketball, and he knows what it’s like to step onto the podium with junior categories: in 2022, he won silver at the Under-16 EuroBasket—and was considered the MVP of the tournament—and again in 2023 at the Under-18 EuroBasket. A place he doesn’t want to step down from during his senior debut.
What can we expect from Spain in the EuroBasket? Do we need to manage our expectations or dream big?
We always need to dream big because, even though we’re in the middle of a generational handover, Spain always competes. We—including myself if I’m lucky enough to go [this interview was held on the 20th of August, before Scariolo announced the definitive list of players]—will give our all. I don’t think we need to lower our expectations.
What does Spain have to do at the EuroBasket to be at its best and stand up to other big national teams?
The key is in the nickname the Spanish team is known for, La Familia, the Family. At this EuroBasket, we need to be as close-knit as ever because there are many new people and the veterans aren’t as old anymore. All 12 players need to contribute to the team when we step onto the court. In short, we need to play as a team.
“All 12 players need to contribute to the team when we step onto the court. In short, we need to play as a team”
Physically, your preparation has been a bumpy ride, but how is the team feeling mentally?
It’s not easy overcoming so many injuries; a couple of teammates have even had to leave the pre-tournament training [Alberto Abalde and Eli John Ndiaye] and that’s a though blow emotionally. But, by always thinking positively and supporting each other, we’ve overcome this. We’re enjoying ourselves, training hard and all 12 of us will be fully prepared.
You’ve been a key player in the national team’s recent successes in junior categories, but the next EuroBasket will be your first big senior competition. What does it mean to you?
My teammate Larry [Sergio de Larrea] said it best at the recent Spanish Basketball Federation (FEB) ceremony: ultimately, it is the dream of every boy who starts to play basketball. When I used to watch Spain play on TV as a child, I used to think, “If only I could be there one day.” Having the chance to play in the EuroBasket is incredible and I want to give it my all.
This pre-tournament period has brought together many talented young players like you and fans are excited to see you. Who should they keep their eyes out for in the future?
My teammates who are my age are very hard-working and talented. Sergio de Larrea, Hugo González, Lucas Langarita, Aday, Mara, Álvaro Folgueiras… I know that they are going to stand out in the future and become great players. I don’t know the other younger players so well, but I’m sure they’re also going to smash it.
For decades, the FEB has been known for getting the best out of talented young players. In this sense, what would you highlight?
I’ve been lucky to go through all the junior categories and I believe they teach us how to compete very well without forgetting about helping each player become better. Playing with the national team over the summer boosts our confidence to be ambitious and continue growing during the season.
“Talent is that natural gift that enables you to do something really well. Obviously, if you don’t shape it through hard work and discipline, it’s useless”
And what is talent to you? That thing the FEB shapes so well.
Talent is that natural gift that enables you to do something really well. Obviously, if you don’t shape it through hard work and discipline, it’s useless. In fact, I’ve had exceptionally talented training mates who, because of one thing or another, have not managed to meet expectations in the end. They didn’t love basketball enough, and enjoying yourself is crucial, because otherwise it’s really hard.
The national team has seen some great point guards. If you had to pick one role model, who would it be and why?
I know he’s not exclusively a point guard, but the player who I’ve enjoyed watching the most since I was little has been Sergio Llull [who recently retired from the Spanish national team]. I’ve always taken notice of him because I like his dynamic game style, he runs a lot. I have a similar style, I also like to play open field, and he holds up a mirror for me.
The EuroBasket is a tough competition. This time, who are the teams to beat?
We’re the defending champions and that’s going to make all the other teams come for us. Any rival will be exceedingly difficult and it’s going to be challenging, but I’ll mention a few big teams like Germany, who’s the latest World Champion; France, with a lot of physical young talent; and Serbia, who’s got a cracking team. Our mindset is to compete against everyone else with the same intensity.
This EuroBasket will be Scariolo’s last at the head of the Spanish national team. Would you like to give him a good send-off?
Of course. He’s been with the national team for 15 years and has made Spain great. Everything that he’s achieved is incredible. Now, in this final tournament, it’s our turn to somehow give back what he’s given to us. I hope he enjoys himself!
