By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net
Spain has a 0-2 start in Rio, but the Spaniards are notorious for starting slowly the big tournaments in recent years and performing well on the games that really count.
That’s what Jose Manuel Calderon explained, speaking on NBA.com after the defeat by Brazil: “I think we won a lot [in past tournaments] because of our experience, because we knew how to play in those moments, not because we were much, much better than the other teams. I think, right now, everybody’s getting better. Everybody’s getting used to playing these kinds of tournaments. It’s a long tournament and it doesn’t matter what happens at the beginning. You just got to keep going. You always want to get a win as soon as possible and the difference is we [almost] got them. It was right there for us. We didn’t finish and we have to be better with that. Hopefully, we can change this around. If we get these [next] three wins, we’ll be in [the quarterfinals]. That’s how we got to think”.
Still no one is happy from the results and Calderon speaks about his new role, as he comes from the bench: “It’s always tough when your team loses. It’s about us. We got three more games and we can make it happen or not. Hopefully, it can get better. Everything is changing, but always the team first. I know my role. I know why I’m here. I’m happy to be here. I’m happy to help my team. I am 100 percent healthy. I’m ready to help when my name is called and ready, as well, for next season with the Lakers“.
And of course the absence of Marc Gasol remains a big issue, as Calderon admits: “I’ll be lying if I say the team doesn’t miss somebody like Marc Gasol. He’s a great player, but health is always first. He’s got to be ready for training camp”.