By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net
There’s no shortage of drama in the Polish national team, which started with the feud between team captain Mateusz Ponitka and former NBA player Marcin Gortat, but carries on in the Ponitka family.
Marcel Ponitka, who has signed in Spain with Zaragoza, accuses his brother Mateusz (photo) of cutting him from the roster in an interview given to Polish media “TVP Sport”.
“I got the information that the coach didn’t have any issue, but Mateusz does not accept me in the team and he does not see any possibility to work with me on the success of the national team”, says Marcel who didn’t play in the recent FIBA Windows and will also not play in the Eurobasket.
“I guess the reason was the lack of acceptance by the captain, who influences the roster and sets conditions in this matter, and it does not apply only to me”, Marcel Ponitka insists.
Per Marcel, it’s a personal issue that now even affects the national team: “I don’t feel guilty about this whole situation and I don’t understand why Mateusz discredits me at all costs and stands in the way of my career. I have nothing to hide. If Mateusz feels there’s any issue or has any remarks toward me, he should not bury his head in the sand. He should sit down and have a man-to-man conversation with me and not play out his games at mine expense”.
The younger Ponitka brother is talking about the issue openly, hoping that a resolution may come: “I’ve always talked about it openly, and the coach and the federation know it very well. I am patiently waiting for the promised meeting, which the captain so frequently avoids. I would like Mateusz to turn out to be a professional, also in this matter, clarify the situation, to the benefit of the entire basketball community, and cut off speculation once and for all”.