Laprovittola on his role with Barcelona: 'I can complement Calathes's game' / News - Basketnews.com

Credit: FC Barcelona Credit FC Barcelona

FC Barcelona is the tenth professional team of Nicolas Laprovittola in a career that has taken him through South America, Europe and the NBA. There are already many clubs and seasons behind the 31-yers-old's trajectory, but the Argentine international has the will to keep playing at the highest level.

Nicolas Laprovittola

Team:FC BarcelonaPosition:PGAge:31Height:188 cmWeight:88 kgBirth place:ArgentinaProfileNewsStatistics

In an interview with "AS", the former Real Madrid player referred to his adjustment to his new team, coach Jasikevicius's demands, Argentina's failure at the Tokyo Olympics, as well as playing alongside Nick Calathes.

This is what he said:On his first weeks in Barcelona: "After a busy summer with many trips, getting to Barça was what I wanted. I am very happy to be here, on a team that aspires to everything. We have to start building."

On the Olympic Games and Argentina: "The experience of some Games is always brutal, it is something that marks you as a player. We did not do well, we did not play well at all, we are all disappointed by our performance. But we have to learn from it, we have missed an opportunity and an important tournament. It's a matter of staying engaged, wanting to play together. On team goals: "All the important players have stayed, there's a foundation. It is also the second year of Saras, so it is very important that we continue with that idea. It is a very long season, a road that will have difficulties but we aspire to everything and we want to win everything. Last year, it was only one game that separated them from the title. Our focus is on the Euroleague. "On rivals Real Madrid: "They have certainly also gotten stronger. They are a team that has the same goals as us. We will face each other many times during the year. Those are fun games to watch, which are enjoyed a lot."On his departure from Real Madrid: "When the opportunity to come to Barça came up, I did not hesitate one bit. I felt it was the place I wanted to be. I wanted to continue at the highest level on a team that fights for everything and also in Barcelona. For me and my family, it is a city in which we feel very comfortable. I want to be at this level for many years."On the role he expects to have on the team: "It's not what I expect, but the role that Saras believes I can give the team. He's known me for years. We've been playing against each other since I got to Lithuania. I have no doubt he'll know how to use me. I have to understand him, as well as Calathes and Jokubaitis. The guard position is very important in this team and you have to get the rest of the team to feel comfortable."On the other point guards of Barcelona: "Nick (Calathes) is the one who controls the rhythm of the team, the one who made Barça play very well last year. I come to help, to add to his game. I have different characteristics and that can be complementary. Like Rokas (Jokubaitis) with the two of us. Playing with Calathes could also be an option. We're going to have to be prepared to come in and contribute."On Jasikevicius' s defensive demands: "At this level, you can't give anything away. And beyond the demands that Saras has, you have to be physically well to stand up to any opponent."

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