By Eurohoops team / info@eurohoops.net
Marc Gasol is getting ready for the China World Cup this summer and still cherishes Spain’s past success with hopes to repeat it. “Just thinking about it [winning the World Cup] makes me smile and reminds me of so many good things,” Gasol said to FIBA.basketball.
“We had a very good tournament, and being able to reach the top of the world is something you dream of living at least once in your lifetime. It was 13 years ago, but it’s still fresh in my mind. I was younger and the team was very good, and it was such a unique moment of joy. It is one of the high points of my career. I wish every player could experience this kind of success.”
Gasol was just 21 when Spain was crowned world champions for the first time in the country’s history. The 2.16m big man was inexperienced and not in optimal condition. Yet he contributed as Spain knocked off New Zealand, Panama, Angola, Germany, Japan, Serbia & Montenegro, Lithuania, Argentina and in the Final, Greece, to capturing the title.
“That’s a very tough road, a very long and hard campaign, but it’s amazing to win a gold medal and be a world champion for four years,” Gasol mentioned.
However, there aren’t going to be too many more opportunities like this summer for Gasol to win something as big as a world title.
“I’m closer to the end of my international career than to the beginning, but the motivation is the same that I’ve had since I started playing with the national team. I enjoy the moments with the guys, from the practice to the camaraderie and the competition.”
“I want to help the national team try to have good runs and win more medals and titles before I retire from international duty. I take it step by step and my first focus after the NBA season is on the next FIBA World Cup.”