Paul-Nilsen-Column
30/09/2014
Paul Nilsen's Women's Basketball Worldwide
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Can 'basketball alchemist' Mondelo work his magic?

NEWCASTLE (Paul Nilsen's Women's Basketball Worldwide) - The question of whether anybody can actually get anywhere toppling the all-conquering USA is a common one at any major tournament.

Traditionally, it has been Australia and Russia who have been the major challengers to their superiority, but now Spain look like they could assume the mantle of closest rivals.

After all, they have Lucas Mondelo at the helm - someone I am now labelling as a 'basketball alchemist' for his ability to produce success and primarily gold, for both club and country.

Put quite simply - I believe if anyone can, then Mondelo can.

Of course the play-caller is only one part of the Spanish asset-base, which looks to be magnificent at the moment.

Former Great Britain head coach and LiveBasketball.TV commentator Mark Clark - whose son and daughter both play professionally in Spain as well as with their respective national team - agrees that Mondelo and Co are best placed to at least strongly challenge the champs at the 2014 FIBA World Championship for Women.

"I think the only true difference between the teams is that extra depth of the USA, who of course go right from 1 through 12," he said.

"Aside from this and perhaps the issue of foul trouble or an injury for Sancho Lyttle, everything else Spain have at their disposal would suggest they have got enough to give USA a serious game.

"I think Spain have taken over from Australia as the main threat.

"With Mondelo in charge, they have showed they are able to win in different ways and especially if don't turn the ball over - helped by adding versatile people like Anna Cruz, who can contribute in this area.

"In reality, it's probably still 70-30 in favour of the USA, but that means they can't afford to switch off in any way against Spain.

"The way that Spain's defense is structured is really decent and if they could contain the USA perimeter players, I would imagine this could be a fascinating Final - if indeed that is how it pans out by Sunday.

"The only other team I see throwing continued USA domination in doubt is France.

"Australia without (Liz) Cambage probably wouldn't have enough and Turkey just don’t have the quality in terms of size or athleticism.

"They might stay with USA for 30 to 35 minutes in a game, but you would expect USA would have decisive run."

Mondelo has an unwavering ability to deliver success and even USA star Maya Moore who plays under him in the WCBA revealed he has the perfect combination of being uber-competitive but never failing to have fun.

You can see it all around the Spanish camp and at practice and games. The players and coaches are almost always smiling - but still have that steely game face too.

Mondelo has thrown some traditional coaching out of the window and his motion offences and flexibility in terms of his players' positions are a joy.

He encourages freedom for his players and allows them to be expressive - but they know the parameters.

I am an unashamed fan, because his teams play expansive and attractive basketball - yet never neglect their defensive assignments.

A delight to watch and stacked with talent - maybe they can get the chance to make up the gap and continue the continuous motion skywards of women's basketball in Spain.

Something which incidentally, won't stop for the next decade to 15 years, with outstanding talents at point guard in Leticia Romero, on the wing with Angela Salvadores and under the hoop with Astou Ndour.

If you want to know more about Mondelo and his accomplishments, then check out the newly-launched www.lucasmondelo.com.

Paul Nilsen

FIBA

FIBA's columnists write on a wide range of topics relating to basketball that are of interest to them. The opinions they express are their own and in no way reflect those of FIBA.

FIBA takes no responsibility and gives no guarantees, warranties or representations, implied or otherwise, for the content or accuracy of the content and opinion expressed in the above article.

Paul Nilsen

Paul Nilsen

As a women's basketball specialist for FIBA and FIBA Europe, Paul Nilsen eats, sleeps and breathes women’s hoops and is incredibly passionate about promoting the women’s game - especially at youth level. In Women’s Basketball Worldwide, Paul scours the globe for the very latest from his beloved women’s basketball family.