The president of the Spanish Federation and basketball legend, Jorge Garbahosa, speaking to the newspaper “Sportski Jurnal”, clearly in favor of FIBA and the need to find a solution to issues that “hurt” European basketball, especially in matters of organization.
Initially, he was asked about the unity that prevails in European affairs and whether the competent authorities are moving correctly in matters of organization and conduct. Referring specifically to the “schism” that divides Europe
“There are some new positive examples, with the fact that the Euroleague, FIBA and the NBA are sitting at the table to negotiate, to speak. This is an important step forward. Communication has been closed for a long time and is now open. “And this is the best place to start.”
And he adds part of his thinking:
“The best thing for the future is to work together. We have seen for 20+ years that working in a different way is not good for our sport. FIBA is always trying to talk, to find common ground. But it was difficult, because you were trying to talk and no one answered. But now the dialogue is open. My wish is to move forward together with everyone to respect the competitions of others, the values that each event serves, each team and each player “.
He was then asked about the coaches’ statements at regular intervals and the need to alleviate the program, which he found absolutely positive.
“Strongly Agree. FIBA first tries to protect the players, not to extend its competitions too much. In fact, a summer is free for players now. But there is still an important player at the table, which is none other than the national leagues. They are making an extremely important effort. They are the base where all the teams play, where the basketball of each country – along with the Federations of course – develops the players. We must respect the National Championships. Each year has 365 days. Do you really think that there is no place for the matches of the National Teams, the National Leagues and the European ones? There are! We just have to find a deal. “And then the players would have better conditions to develop their careers.”
In fact, he did not hesitate to express an opinion on the idea of a closed Euroleague, such as in the NBA and the eyes turned to the ACB.
“I have a very good relationship with ACB, with President Antonio Martin and the clubs. We always work well together. The best way to increase the value of our sport in the country is to work together. Speaking of the indoor league … I hear that the NBA is an indoor league and is the best league in the world. It is not a closed championship at all. The NBA has, first of all, a salary cap, which makes everyone move in the same budget range and then have the draft. And the team that is the worst in a season in two years can be at the top. “Anyone who wants to use the NBA as an example to justify the idea that the Euroleague will be successful if it closes does not tell the whole true story.”
In addition, he was asked about the non-cooperation of the BCL with Jordi Bertomeu and leaves open possible solutions in the future.
“It’s a matter of smart thinking. FIBA created the BCL, such an important event in less than 6 years, collaborating with the leagues. ACB is part of ULEB, part of BCL as well as a shareholder, and this is an extremely good sign that shows that if we all sit down together, we can find interest in everyone and increase the value of our sport. There is only one player working separately, and we already have a good sample of the last 22 years, that this does not work. “I hope the future is better.”
Finally, the issue of international athletes in the windows. An obstacle that has probably bothered as much as anything else and concerns everyone involved with European basketball, while entangling the praise of Greece!
“Our players want to play for a national team, but they also want to play for their clubs. We can not put them in a position to choose. They just want to play, to defend the national colors and their clubs. I saw that the Greek players will play in this window, which is a good sign of cooperation. “But if we find a common calendar, then the players will be able to do whatever they want.”
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I am currently a news writer for News Bulletin247 where I mostly cover sports news. I have always been interested in writing and it is something I am very passionate about. In my spare time, I enjoy reading and spending time with my family and friends.
