Over three weeks, Elisa Aguilar, president of the Spanish Basketball Federation, and coach Chus Mateo covered almost 20,000 kilometers from coast to coast in the United States to meet with young Spanish basketball players excelling in NCAA and NBA leagues. Their journey aimed to reinforce connections between these players and the Spanish national team, highlighting the necessity of maintaining strong relationships despite geographical distances. Aguilar’s insights on the current landscape of American college basketball reflect a deep understanding of the evolving prospects for Spanish players, especially with changes in NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) contracts that have professionalized the sport significantly.

Throughout their extensive travels, Aguilar and Mateo visited multiple cities and engaged with various players, reflecting a proactive approach to scouting and nurturing Spanish talent abroad. This initiative recognizes that many of the future stars of the Spanish national team may currently be playing in the United States, and the federation is eager to ensure they feel connected to their roots and the national program. The trip also serves to inspire upcoming players by showcasing the federation’s commitment to supporting and understanding the challenges faced by those pursuing careers in basketball away from home.

Ultimately, this endeavor not only seeks to identify potential national team players but also embodies a shift in how sports federations engage with their diaspora. By traveling to meet these players in their current environments, Aguilar and Mateo are fostering a sense of belonging and ambition amongst the next generation of Spanish basketball stars, laying the groundwork for future successes on both domestic and international stages.