By Eurohoops Team/ info@eurohoops.net
Logging coaching experience and winning the Jordan Rising Stars, Pau Gasol was also announced as a finalist for the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame on Friday.
Gasol, 42, enjoyed the success crediting the NBA youngsters on his team, including the tournament MVP Jose Alvarado. Commenting on the Hall of Fame and his jersey being retired by the Los Angeles Lakers in a few weeks, he recalled the late Kobe Bryant and the impact on his career.
“Every step of the way, he’s on my mind, in my heart along with Gigi. And he’s going to be there forever,” said the retired Spanish big, “I grew as a player, I played at a high level thanks to him, in great part.”
“He will always be with me, in every moment, not just basketball recognitions, but personally too. His family is my family,” added Gasol, “We will continue to go forward thinking that he is watching. He’s definitely part of those moments.”
“My name, my number don’t go into those rafters without those championships. And we don’t win those championships without Kobe Bryant.”
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