By Eurohoops team / info@eurohoops.net
Sergio Scariolo confirmed to AS.com that Pau Gasol will not be in the World Cup of China starting off August 31st.
“This week I have looked at Pau more as a coach than as a rival, for us, Pau is very important, it’s going to be a tremendous loss, I saw him in San Antonio a while ago and I saw him sick, tired of not being in the court. Those of us who love Pau support him and we know that he has made the best decision. I can only wish you that his recovery is perfect. Pau not only wanted to be good but to compete. […] On a sentimental level, he was not having a good time, but he has many emotional and character resources. He did the right thing”, Scariolo told to the Spanish website.
Gasol’s absence is a huge blow for the Spanish NT, though Scariolo sets sights for the Olympic Games: “Sometimes things happen and we have to accept them, we will try to make the best possible championship and catch one of the two places that give access to the Olympic Games”, he concluded.
Further reports by Pajoco Delgado mention that the Spanish Federation will wait for Gasol and leave an open spot for him in the roster. Gasol could join the national selection in late July in case he recovers on time ahead of the World Cup.