Gasol: “The USA are favorites in the World Cup, but we have Scariolo”

THE Pau Gasol sees the USA as a favorite for the World Cup, but believes that Spain has its own assets to defend its title. “History teaches us that there are teams with less talent that can take the title“, says the Spanish basketball legend in an interview on the FIBA ​​website, where he says:

For the World Cup draw: “I think it was a good draw for Spain. This does not mean there are guarantees that the road will be easier. I think in a World Cup you have to fight hard and you have to be ready from the beginning and at the end of the day to go to the next stage. I’m excited by the way our team is responding, by the way they’re playing. But, at the same time, I like challenges because of our identity, our nature and because we know what it takes.”

For Sergio Scariolo: “Whoever is at the World Cup, we have Sergio, who continues to be a strong pillar for our National Team and the World Cup.”

For the World Cup: “The World Cup is always important for our country, as it is for other countries. I’m sure we’ll get along pretty well. USA is always the team to beat in a major tournament because of their talent. But history has shown us that teams that are theoretically less talented, playing as a whole, and in the right way, can overcome obstacles and become World Champions.”

On the fact that the World Cup is being held in Asia: “I’m excited and waiting to see it. I am sure that it will be a very nice event and I hope, at the same time, a historic event in many ways. I’ll be watching closely. I will undoubtedly be present at the final leg, in Manila, and support Spain, the No. 1 team in the world. I have seen, especially in the Philippines, the level of love and passion for basketball… How high it is. I experience it too. I hope they continue to have such enthusiasm in their country for the sport.”

For the development of basketball: “I love to see the game grow, I love to see the game thrive, have more kids and more and more people enjoy basketball. Also, I like to see that every time, more countries have opportunities to improve and become stronger. This is the trend. It’s great to see.”