Gasol: 'I like exceeding limits and expectations' / News - Basketnews.com

Credit: ZUMAPRESS.com Credit ZUMAPRESS.com

Pau Gasol, who was just named to Spain's Olympic roster, will participate in his fifth Olympic Games. 41-year-old is widely recognized as one of the all-time greats (if not the greatest) in Europe.

In his interview with Marca on Sunday, the Spanish veteran conceded that such an achievement was something very beautiful and special. "To be able to play with this group again in the Olympic Games is a luxury and a privilege, to be able to end my career with the national team in this way will have made all this worthwhile."

Two-time NBA champion credited his former teammate late Kobe Bryant for his longevity and success. "I like to do exceptional and extraordinary things.Exceeding limits and expectations, starting with my own," explained Gasol. "It is clear that Kobe put it to another level.He said you had to do epic things always.He always put an enormous capacity for work, commitment, sacrifice, and demand.He helped me to be a better player, a better leader and I have had him very present in my recovery.It has helped me in times of difficulty to think about how he would have dealt with it."

When asked about what was he looking for from the Spanish team in Tokyo, Gasol stressed the importance of commitment. "That is the identity of this group.Compete and give your all and let your performance dictate a bit how far you go and the result you get.We all want to win and as long as we give it our all, hopefully, we will have a chance to be at the top."

Thank you for being with us! Subscribe to BN+ and browse ad-free.