Garbajosa shuts down rumors about Scariolo moving to Real Madrid / News - Basketnews.com

Spanish basketball federation president Jorge Garbajosa denies that there is anything between Sergio Scariolo and Real Madrid.

Credit: Fotodiena.lt/E.Blaževičius Credit Fotodiena.lt/E.Blaževičius

Spanish basketball federation president Jorge Garbajosa talked to the Spanish news agency (EFE) after the presentation of a sponsorship agreement, addressing the rumors about Sergio Scariolo allegedly leaving the 'Furia Roja' to coach Real Madrid.

Jorge Garbajosa

Position:PF, SFAge:45Height:206 cmWeight:111 kgBirth place:Madrid, SpainProfileNewsStatistics

"I have been president for six years, all with him as the coach of the men's team. We have lived through everything," the 45-year-old retired player and current executive said.

"There is always a lot of noise around and it is normal, he is a great coach and we are talking about the best team in Europe and the world. When powerhouses like Real Madrid and Barcelona don't achieve their goals, these kinds of rumors always come out, it's normal," Garbajosa commented.

The former Unicaja Malaga forward, who won the ACB league with Scariolo as the coach in 2006, added that the two have a "very close personal and professional relationship" that encompasses "his environment, his agent, and his family."

Credit FIBA

Garbajosa clarified that "there is nothing to worry about, not even to occupy ourselves with" as far as the Italian tactician's future with Spain.

"If there is, we'll talk about it. When things seemed uglier in the case of his move to Toronto, I said that we had to be creative and find solutions that would satisfy all of us. We did it then and if the time comes, we will find them again," Garbajosa addressed a possible scenario.

"We are talking about hypothetical situations that are far from real," he argued. "We're being very clear that Sergio is the national coach, that we want him to be for many more years. I know that he is very happy and very comfortable here."

Asked if he regrets allowing Scariolo to keep coaching both Spain and Virtus Bologna, Garbajosa didn't express the slightest doubt.

"Quite the contrary, not at all," he responded.

"I think it's good that a coach is active all year long. It's not necessary, but I think it's positive. It keeps you alive and agile, and you don't rust. Sergio's ability to work is an example for everyone and the results are successful with his clubs and with the national team."

Credit FEB

The candidates to enter the NBA Hall of Fame are already known. One of them is Pau Gasol, Garbajosa's former teammate. The president of FEB is sure that the legendary player will be inducted this year.

"I think Pau's dimension as a player and his social dimension make him a perfect choice. He has achieved challenges in the NBA, but he has also been involved in social projects. Now he is very focused on women's basketball, also as an ambassador of the FIBA ​​World Cups.

That makes him an ideal candidate to be a member of such a prestigious organization," Garbajosa pointed out.

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