By Stefan Djordjevic / info@eurohoops.net
The two-time EuroLeague champion and the 2017 MVP has been with Real Madrid since 2007 and will likely finish his career wearing the white jersey.
He’s been the one taking over the baton years ago, has seen many changes to the team over the past decade and while he doesn’t know what awaits, he knows one thing – he’ll give it his all until the end.
When asked about what the future may hold without Campazzo in the team, Llull said to Walla Sport: “I do not know what is going to happen and I do not like to take things for granted. What I know is that I will always do whatever necessary for Real Madrid, a club which is always above anyone. I always do my best trying to do on the court what my coach and teammates expect from me. This is my role today and that will be my role till the last day I play”.
It’s a common secret that Facundo Campazzo is leaving for the NBA, however, Llull noted that Facu is still his teammate and has been leaving all he’s got on the court.
“Campazzo is still a Real Madrid player and I see him every day at practices and games and he is so committed to the team. He has not changed at all and gives his one hundred percent in every game and everybody can see it. That is what I can say about Facundo Campazzo.”
It has been a tough season for all clubs across Europe due to the coronavirus pandemic but Llull knows they’ve got to adapt and strive to become better through all the challenges.
“It is being a strange season for everyone. We have to get used to it and this is what we are doing. We have to adapt to the new circumstances and it is not easy. All teams normally have ups and downs throughout a season and this one is not an exception. We are working hard on becoming a more solid team and I think we are achieving it step by step.”
Real will clash against Maccabi Tel Aviv on November 18 in EuroLeague Round 9 and Lull has much respect for the opponent.
“I regard Maccabi as one of the greatest teams in Europe ever. If you are European and you like basketball, you know Maccabi. Personally, I have good memories of the great Maccabi of 2004 and 2005. I think that was an extraordinary team with amazing players. It is extremely complicated to win back to back titles and they made it. Besides, Maccabi has a big legacy and has always fought for Euroleague titles and there aren’t many clubs that can say that.”
Speaking of Maccabi, their prospect in Deni Avdija will be up for grabs at the 2020 NBA Draft and is expected to be a lottery pick, as high as No.2.
Llull, who never opted to join an NBA team despite lots of interest, especially by the Houston Rockets, praised Avdija and wished him all the best wherever he lands.
“He is a great player, very big but skillful and able to do things which are not intended to be done by the guys of his size such as dribbling, passing… I wish him all the best wherever he plays,” Llull said.