Pau Gasol: “We have Sergio no matter who we face”
Pau Gasol, the global ambassador for the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023, said his country has a good chance in the tournament.
Speaking to the FIBA website, the 42-year-old Gasol assessed his expectations of the organization and the chances of Brazil, Iran, the Ivory Coast and Spain, who will be in Group G, in the tournament.
Stating that Spain had a good draw, Gasol said: “This does not mean that it will be a guarantee or an easy path for them. When you compete in a World Cup you have to be ready from the beginning and at the end of the day you have to move on to the next stage. You will have to pass some challenging equipment. So I’m excited to see how our team will react and play. However, since we know our identity and nature, I think our chances are high.”
“I AM SURE WE WILL DO A VERY GOOD JOB”
Referring to the importance of head coach Sergio Scariolo, who won four European (EuroBasket) championships (2009, 2011, 2015, 2022) and the 2019 World Cup at the start of Spain, Gasol said: “We have Sergio no matter who we are. against. The World Cup is always important for our country as it is for other countries. I’m sure we’ll do very well.”
Having played in the 2002 and 2014 World Cups, Gasol said: “Because of the level of their talent, the team that others have to beat in every championship they participate in is always the United States. But history has shown us how, on paper, potentially talented teams can overcome this and become world champions by playing together, competing and playing the right way. I’m sure it will be a very fun and historic championship. I will definitely be in Manila in the final stage of the tournament and I will support Spain, the number 1 team in the world. I’m excited for the home teams. I saw how high the level of love and passion for basketball is, especially in the Philippines. I hope they continue to excite their country with the game they will play,” he said.
The tournament, in which 32 teams will participate, will be held between August 25 and September 10, with Japan, the Philippines and Indonesia as hosts. (AA)