The EuroBasket tournament has been filled with a lot of good games so far, where some players have emerged as leaders and even the future of their teams. For the Spaniards, it’s the Hernangomez brothers, Juancho and Willy, who have both been very impressive by playing solid basketball in their first four games and helping it become possible for Spain to remain unbeaten.
They have received high praises from their fans and have also earned the trust and respect of their head coach Sergio Scariolo, who only had good words to say about them during a recent interview via FIBA.com.
“They have a lot of talent, they are very skillful, athletic, they enjoy playing basketball, you can see that. They are learning from their teammates, trying to catch those little things that will make them top level [players] in every point of view. Right now they have energy, athleticism, talent, enthusiasm…they do lack some experience defensive-wise, but their desire to learn is great,” Scariolo said about his leading scorers and rebounders.
However, when asked if they can become the next Gasols of the Spanish National Team, the New York Knicks center said that he just feels blessed to get a chance to learn from Pau and Marc.
“I used every year with the national team to learn from Pau, from Marc, from all of my teammates. I got the experience by playing the FIBA EuroBasket two years ago and I think I am ready to compete now. I think I'm a better player, a better person now, I believe I can help my team to get the wins,” expressed Willy, who is feeding off their influence.
For the Denver Nuggets big man and the younger of the two Hernangomezs, he admitted that it is impossible to be like the veteran brothers, as they are already legends of Spanish basketball.
“I think they are legends. We have to follow them, and my brother and I, we just have to start right away in the national team and the NBA. We'll have to do a lot of stuff if we want to be like Gasols. It's gonna be super-difficult! But we are excited to learn from them, and to get to play another championship with the Gasol brothers is amazing.”
“Being the next Gasols is impossible,” Juancho added. “Just like being the next Juan Carlos Navarro is impossible. And [the Gasols] are the two best players at FIBA EuroBasket. Pau is 37-year-old and still one of the best players in Europe. He's like a big teacher or a big brother to all of us. It's impossible to be like Gasol.”
With the Gasols nearing the twilight of their careers, it could signify the start of Willy and Juancho to take over their reins and continue the success of their home country in international competitions. They may still have a lot to learn, but the experiences they are now getting will only make them better and prepare them for greater success in the future.
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