Garbajosa: “This national team isn’t worse than Yugoslavia or USSR”

By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net

Three EuroBasket titles (2009, 2011, 2015) and an equal number of silver medals (1999, 2003, 2007). Third place in 2013 and one more semifinal appearance in 2005.

No other national team has been more successful at a continental level than Spain during the last 20 years and Spanish Basketball Federation Jorge Garbajosa is fully aware of how impressive this run is.

“It’s something amazing,” Garbajosa said. “Since 1999 we have always played in the semifinals and we missed the podium only once (2005). This is extraordinary. We tend to idealize Yugoslavia (21 European championships) and the USSR (14 golden medals in EuroBasket) when we talk about them (the national teams). This national team isn’t worse than them.”

Here’s what Garbajosa also said in an interview published by MARCA.

On if he sees another EuroBasket gold medal:

It’s very difficult. There are plenty of teams that aspire for the medals. But we are optimistic. First, because that’s our nature. Second, because of the squad. And third, because the players don’t ever give up.

On the future of the national team without Pau Gasol, Juan Carlos Navarro or Felipe Reyes:

“Let’s enjoy them. There are still four golden medal players for the World Cup in Japan. There is Ricky Rubio, Sergio Llull, Alex Abrines, Nikola Mirotic, Serge Ibaka. Unfortunately, there is only one Gasol and one Navarro. We will feel sorry and we will face their absence when they leave the team. It won’t be easy, but they won’t come back. There is a generation of leaders and that makes me excited.”

On if he ever feels like he wants to jump on the court again:

When the referee tips off the ball. Not now. I’ll have the third of the player for all my life. More of the game than the training. But I’m very honored of the position I have now.

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