Scarolo announces his retirement as Spain basketball coach

The Spanish Basketball Federation this Wednesday announced the departure of national coach Sergio Scariolo. Scariolo leaves the job as coach after arriving in 2009. His time in charge has seen Spain win the 2009 and 2011 European Championships and the silver medal in the 2012 London Olympic Games, where they were beaten by the United States in the final. Scariolo's contract as coach expired at the end of the season "I am leaving after four rich years from any viewpoint. I have lived some incredible moments, but I think the decision is the correct one," said the now former coach in a press conference held in Madrid. "I am going to allow myself to spend more time with my family. That is my priority and I think it will be good for the team to have some fresh air," he added. Scariolo will be replaced by his former assistant Juan Antonio Orenga, who will coach Spain in the defense of their European Championships, which will serve as preparation for the 2014 Basketball World Championships, which will be held in Spain. The 46-year-old has coaching experience with Endesa ACB club Estudiantes and above all with youth categories of the national team, having led the Under-20's to silver in the 2007 European Championships, bronze in 2010 and the gold medal in 2011. As a player, he competed for Estudiantes, Real Madrid, Uncaja Malaga and Caceres.