MADRID, 23 Sep. (EUROPA PRESS) –
The Joventut de Badalona player Jordi Rodríguez, U-19 world champion this summer with Spain, has not “considered” following in the footsteps of players of his generation such as Aday Mara or Izan Almansa and going to the United States, since since “first moment” he wanted to sign a professional contract with his club, with which the Endesa League will start this Sunday against Barça.
“From the first moment I have wanted to be in my club, I think I have made a good decision, I have not even considered going to the United States, I knew I wanted to be here and I already signed my contract,” the shooting guard told Europa Press before of the presentation of the Endesa League.
The Barcelona native faces the new season “with great enthusiasm” and a great desire “to learn a lot” in order to improve as a player and continue his training until he establishes himself in the elite. “The preseason has been very interesting, they have given me a lot of minutes and it has helped me a lot to know what the league will be like and try to adapt a little,” he commented.
The biggest difference he notices compared to LEB Plata is “the level of contact” and having to be concentrated “at all times”, since the slightest error “is punished a lot” and he has to get used to that. “I always have to be at my best because if not, I’m going to have a very bad time when I have to collide with bigger people,” he argued.
Looking ahead to the upcoming campaign, Jordi Rodríguez is going to try to improve “as much as possible”, going “training by training” and leaving everything on the hardwood every minute he is on it. “I have to make the most of the opportunities I may have and do everything I can on the court,” remarked the young ‘Penya’ point guard.
The season that is beginning is “very exciting” for the Badalona team, which will also try to go “game by game” to achieve the maximum possible number of victories, although it does not set a “fixed goal” either. “We have to try to achieve what we did last year, which was very good, and if possible, surpass it,” he explained.
The Catalan was part of the Spanish team that managed to become U-19 world champion this summer, something “incredible” for the directors, since it is the second time that it has been achieved after the ‘golden juniors’, legends that he “he saw on TV” and those he now wants to match as a professional. “Being world champions is a great pride and also a great responsibility,” recalled Jordi Rodríguez.