By George Efkarpides /info@eurohoops.net
One of the greatest European players of all time, Juan Carlos Navarro has announced that he will be retiring from international basketball.
Navarro, 37, was a second round pick in the 2002 NBA draft, did play in the NBA for one season but spent the rest of his career playing for Barcelona (1997-2007, 2008-present).
He has won many medals competing for Spain in numerous international events during his illustrious career.
He’s been a World Champion (2006), two-time EuroBasket winner (2009, 2011 – when he also won tournament MVP honors) and multi-medalist in the Olympic Games (silver in 2008 and 2012, plus bronze in 2016). His collection also includes two EuroBasket silver medals (2007, 2011) and one bronze (2001).
“La Bomba” will seek to end his international career on a high note with a win over Russia in order to add yet another medal.
Navarro is the international cap leader with 248 games and Sunday’s game will mark his 249th appearance for Spain.