Sergio Scariolo, head coach of Spain’s national men’s basketball team, sees an “extraordinary defender” in second-year Houston Rockets forward Usman Garuba. Scariolo commented after his side defeated Lithuania, 102-94 (box score), in overtime to qualify for the final eight at the European Basketball Championship (EuroBasket 2022).
Garuba had 8 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 steals in 22 minutes on Saturday, and the 20-year-old’s offensive rebound and tip-in during the final minute of regulation helped Spain force overtime, where they eventually pulled away.
In postgame comments, Scariolo was eager to discuss the strong and versatile defense from his 6-foot-8 forward. Here’s what he said, as relayed by Miguel Lois Vidal (and translated by Twitter):
Our idea was that Lorenzo (Brown) would lead the team in attack, and Usman in defense. He is an extraordinary defender. He can change everything. He has a big heart.
He makes mistakes, of course, he is very young, but we trust him a lot.
Spain was plus-14 in Garuba’s 22 minutes on Saturday. See below for extended highlights of the game versus Lithuania.
Sergio Scariolo sobre USMAN GARUBA:
"Nuestra idea era que Lorenzo liderase al equipo en ataque, y Usman en defensa. Es un extraordinario defensor. Puede cambiar todo. Tiene un gran corazón. Comete errores, claro, es muy joven, pero confiamos mucho en él".
— Miguel Lois Vidal (@MiguelLois) September 10, 2022
USMAN GARUBA WITH THE TIP IN
SPAIN UP 82-81
JOIN: https://t.co/LwHPibOUPm pic.twitter.com/jBDhgOqfhj
— Jackson Gatlin (@JTGatlin) September 10, 2022
Going forward, Garuba and Spain will match up against Finland in Tuesday’s round of eight games. The tip is scheduled for 10:15 a.m. Central. That game can be streamed live via RocketsWatch.
Elsewhere in this weekend’s EuroBasket action, Alperen Sengun and Turkey had its run end with an 87-86 loss (box score) to France. Sengun had 8 points and 5 rebounds in 22 minutes.
Later this month, both prospects will report to training camp in Houston to begin the 2022-23 NBA season. Garuba missed much of his rookie year due to injuries, but a strong showing at EuroBasket may help him build momentum as he looks to earn playing time.
Spain knocks off Lithuania to advance. Usman Garuba was really good, making several winning plays in this game. In 22 minutes, he finished with eight points, eight boards, three assists and two steals. He was +14 in a game that went to overtime.
— ClutchFans (@clutchfans) September 10, 2022
