MADRID, 9 May. (EUROPA PRESS) –
Former Spanish basketball player Pau Gasol, recently inducted into the NBA Hall of Fame, has been optimistic and confident that the national team will do “quite well” in the next World Cup, which will be held in the Philippines. , Japan and Indonesia from August 25 to September 10.
“History has shown how less talented teams, on paper, playing together and competing, can overcome any problem and become world champions. The World Cup is always important for our country, just as it is for other countries, but it’s exciting for us and I’m sure we’ll do it quite well,” said the tournament ambassador in statements to the FIBA website published this Tuesday.
The man from Sant Boi has confirmed that he will be present at the tournament, in which he sees the United States as “the rival to beat”, but in which he will cheer on Spain, in addition to enjoying the local teams. “I am sure it will be a very fun championship. I will be sure in the last part, in Manila, and I will be supporting Spain, the number 1 team in the world. Although, I have also seen, especially in the Philippines, how high the level of love and passion for the game,” he said.
After the draw held in Manila, Gasol was cautious about the team’s rivals, which will be Brazil, the Ivory Coast and Iran.
“I think the draw was good for Spain. In a World Cup you always have to overcome difficult teams. I’m looking forward to seeing how our team responds. I like this kind of challenge because of our identity, our nature and because we know what it takes to compete,” he said.
The eldest of the Gasols feels “very excited” about the evolution of basketball in Asia, as seen with Japan at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. “I love to see basketball grow, that more children, more people get excited about it , that they enjoy the game and that more countries have a chance, it’s great”, he concluded.