MADRID, 19 Sep. (EUROPA PRESS) –
The forward and captain of the Spanish basketball team, Rudy Fernández, reiterated that the gold medal won this Sunday at the Eurobasket was “one of the most special” of his career, and stressed the importance on a personal level that having his side to the Hernangómez brothers, “present and future” of the national team.
“Words are unnecessary, this medal for me is very special, one of the most special, for being the captain and because there were many new young people incorporated into this great family. It is difficult to keep only one (title), but being in this great group It has been a piece of pride,” said Rudy Fernández at a press conference in Madrid.
The Spaniard admitted that it was not “new” that there were no “expectations” about the team. “Work has been the key. It was the first time we started with 24 players, which are a lot, some who were injured or like Alberto (Díaz), who left and then came back and was a key piece. The attitude has been above of everything, the work, the effort, and us, playing as a team”, he affirmed.
“Any match has been difficult, but I would say the one against Finland because in the first half we weren’t doing what we had been doing in the group. In that match we let ourselves go a bit, but in the second half we fixed it by playing at a good level In Germany we were always in tow, but we knew that if we could be tied at the end we could have options”, he reviewed about the tournament and its most complex moments.
In addition, Rudy Fernández highlighted the role of Willy and Juancho Hernangómez. “They are my brothers, I have always said that if it weren’t for them this Eurobasket would have been very long. On a personal level, everyone knows what has happened to me this year (the death of their father) and having them by my side has made it much more enjoyable. They were the present and the future of this team and they have shown it with guarantees of continuing to believe in this team”, he stressed.
“When you wear this shirt you can see what we have been generating in recent years. I haven’t lived through the ‘windows’, but it is true that you see a good atmosphere that didn’t have to introduce them to the group and they have adapted super well. What veterans do is welcome them and have a good time, which is what it is about, we have had a good time outside and it has been reflected on the track”, he continued when asked about the role of the seven debutants.
One of them was Jaime Pradilla, who “has behaved very well” as his roommate. “He has a spectacular future if he continues to work as he is doing in Valencia and the ambition he has. I hope he has a promising present and future, and that as a fan of the national team I can see him more consolidated. The role he has had with such only 21 years has been something spectacular,” he said.
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