By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Pau Gasol discussed international NBA superstars showing additional focus when representing their countries in FIBA tournaments.
In an appearance on ESPN’s NBA Today, the 45-year-old retired player even called himself a ‘different Pau’ with Spain, with his examples stretching from reflecting on a discussion with Tony Parker to watching Giannis Antetokounmpo in EuroBasket 2025.
“I love his emotion. I love how much he loves his country, the pride in it, the dedication, the commitment that he has to his national team,” Gasol commented on how the Freak labeled the recent bronze medal with Greece as his biggest career accomplishment, over leading the Milwaukee Bucks to an NBA championship as the Most Valuable Player of the Finals in 2021.
“It’s something special to play for your country,” furthered Gasol, “Something special to represent your country, your people, your fans everywhere and anywhere you go, but especially when you play for your national team.”
The two-time NBA champion, also a FIBA World Championship 2006 champion, among several more accomplishments in the NBA and with the Spanish national team, the Barcelona native retired in 2021. In 2019, he briefly played for the Bucks, alongside Giannis, logging his three final appearances in the North America-based league.
Fresh off EuroBasket action with the senior national team of Greece and his first international medal, the native of Athens is heading to his 13th NBA journey with the franchise based in Wisconsin, since being drafted with the 15th overall pick of the 2013 draft.