Jorge Garbajosa: 'Pablo Laso is a coach every national team would like to have' / News - Basketnews.com

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Spanish basketball federation president Jorge Garbajosa took part in A Diario talk show with Raul Varela, where he touched on many topics.

Lorenzo Brown

Position:PG, SGAge:31Height:198 cmWeight:90 kgBirth place:Georgia, United States of AmericaProfileNewsStatistics

One of them was the upcoming EuroBasket 2022. Garbajosa admitted that it will be a big challenge for Spain and didn't predict whether the national team would win the medals.

"It will be a very demanding championship," Garbajosa said. "Spain, France, Greece, Italy, Germany, Slovenia, Serbia, Croatia, Lithuania, and Turkey are candidates to be on the podium."

"This EuroBasket is probably the most demanding challenge we have faced in recent times, but we will fight and try as this team has always done. Having Rudy and Llull on the team is invaluable, and I am sure we will return from this championship with our heads held high. With a medal? We'll see," he added.

Garbajosa also talked about the decision to give the Spanish passport to Lorenzo Brown, emphasizing once again that the criticism is unreasonable.

The fact that he loses his American nationality is a huge symbol of commitment," Garbajosa argued. "He greatly admires the Spanish team, and it coincides with the injuries of Ricky Rubio and Carlos Alocen and the withdrawal of Sergio Rodriguez."

"What bothers me is the easy criticism and populists who don't know the work behind it. More than 40 players made their debuts with the national team in these years.

Some say that by nationalizing a player in 6 years, we are curtailing the illusion of the kids, which is absolutely not true. Lorenzo is coming to cover a very important gap, and he's one of the best passers in Europe. So, giving up on him would seem irresponsible to me. He is excited to wear Spain's jersey," Garbajosa continued.

The Spanish basketball president was also asked about Pablo Laso's departure from Real Madrid. Garbajosa admitted that such a turn of events surprised him and commented on the possibility of Laso becoming the new Spanish national team head coach.

"It's surprising because it wasn't something expected. The opinion I have of Pablo as a coach and as a person is between 10 and 11. It's a departure in unusual circumstances, and I lack arguments to give a qualified opinion.

Future as a coach? Sergio [Scariolo] has a contract until 2024, but Pablo Laso is a coach that any team and any national team would like to have. However, we are delighted with Sergio," said Garbajosa.

Finally, Garbajosa talked about the ongoing FIBA and EuroLeague conflict. The 44-year-old says that he's hoping for the best.

"I'm praying for peace because it is very necessary," Garbajosa said. "I am very proud to have a very good relationship with the ACB because there is only one Spanish basketball. I help in the goodwill of FIBA ​​to achieve that peace, I know that the NBA is willing to negotiate so that peace would arrive."

"However, the Euroleague is going through a period of change, and we do not know who to negotiate with, and we have to wait for them to define their problems, and hopefully, it can be resumed at negotiating table," Garbajosa concluded.

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