By Eurohoops team / info@eurohoops.net
Spanish Federation president Jorge Garbajosa attributed a large part of the numerous successes of Spain’s national teams over the years to the country’s coaches that he considers them to be the best in the planet.
“Basketball in Spain is very important. One of the main reasons for success is our coaches. I respect everyone, but I truly believe that Spanish basketball coaches are the best in the world,” Garbajosa said in an interview with Israel Yahom. “We have coaches in the NBA, throughout Europe, South America and Africa because teams know their level and want them. It’s important to have good coaches because that’s how they produce good players.”
“We also invest a lot in giving young players a stage and making great efforts to bring the game into schools,” Garbajosa added.
The Spanish national team is the current world champion and will be heading as such to the Tokyo Olympic Games next year. In the 2016 edition of the tournament, Spain won the bronze medal and once again a spot on the podium will be the goal for the “La Furia Roja.”
One of the players that Garbajosa is looking forward to see making his return in the Olympics is the great Pau Gasol, once his Spanish national team teammate when himself was a player back in the day.
“I really hope so,” Garbajosa said when asked if Gasol will play in Tokyo. “Unfortunately there is a question mark around this, but he puts in a tremendous effort and does his best physically and mentally. How to be champions and how to be professionals. He shows them how important it is to represent your country. “