By Aris Barkas/ barkas@eurohoops.net
Lille, France – The Olympics tournament has started with Australia defeating Spain in Lille and making the first step toward the next round.
After the game, Joe Ingles shared his thoughts with Eurohoops, emphasizing the importance of having Jock Landale back with the team after he missed the 2023 FIBA World Cup.
“Obviously, he was a huge piece of who we are and how we played before he got hurt. Losing him late made a big difference. He’s a hell of a player, and while we could just kind of blame that, we didn’t feel like we played as we should’ve or could’ve. But it’s very nice to have him back,” Ingles said of Landale, who led the Boomers to victory with 20 points and nine rebounds.
The new Minnesota Timberwolves swingman is playing in his fifth Olympics for Australia, and in his first game, he faced Rudy Fernandez, who made history by participating in his sixth Olympics Games.
“It’s tiring,” Ingles joked when asked if he would try to match the record. “It’s impressive to play at that level for six Olympics, still being able to contribute and play a good role on that team. I hate playing against him and am kind of waiting for him to retire.”
“Giannis did a hell of a job getting Greece here for the first time since 2008”
Australia is off to a great start, but Ingles insists it’s just the beginning even if the goal is a medal.
“Every team here, you look at the depth of the tournament, every team is great. They’ve earned their way here, and we gotta be ready for every game. It was nice to get the first one done and play well, obviously with some bits we can fix up. But we enjoy this for a minute and get ready for the next one.”
Ingles had a chance to play alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo at the Milwaukee Bucks and believes that he did a great job leading Greece to their first Olympics since 2008.
“Getting to know him, playing with him, the way he goes about it, the professionalism, and how hard he works, he’s done a hell of a job to get them here for the first time since 2008,” Joe Ingles concluded.
Photo credit: FIBA