By Cesare Milanti / info@eurohoops.net
MANILA, Philippines – The Dominican Republic managed to overcome all odds and close Group A standing on top with a 3-0 record, beating the Philippines, Italy, and finally Angola. Comparing for the first time in the post-game press conference, Karl-Anthony Towns praised the work of coach Nestor Garcia.
When he stopped by in the mixed zone right after the victory against the African team, he yelled he was the best coach in the world. When asked what was the best thing he learned from the Argentinian, he began a long praising speech.
“I stand by what I said, he’s one of the best coaches in the world”, the Minnesota Timberwolves superstar said first. “I’m around a lot of amazing coaches in the NBA and for me, a great coach is a coach who gets the most out of his players every day coming to work with a smile on their face, regardless of the situation and of the pressure”, he went on referring to the 58-year-old.
“It’s always fun when you know you go to practice and you get to see your coach – I think to speak on behalf of everybody in the locker room -, getting to work with someone you respect tremendously and have fun with”, KAT continued.
“The best coaches in the world are the ones who are not only amazing on the X and O’s, who are on the sidelines, who get the best out of their teams and their players on the court, but the one all the players levitate towards off the court. When we are not on that court, we all want to get out with the coach, get to talk with him, we all want to laugh and joke, we all want to talk basketball and not talk basketball. I think that’s what makes him so special: he’s not only a coach in basketball but also in life”, Towns said.
“I’m just here to be a messenger for him. He’s the leader and captain of our team. I smile just talking about him!”, he finally stated. “You don’t know what I’m feeling in my soul right now, thank you”, Nestor Garcia replied as he was touched by his superstar’s words.
PHOTO CREDIT: 2023 FIBA World Cup
Watch the upcoming World Cup on the official streaming service of FIBA! Join Courtside 1891 and never miss a second of the action!