Toronto Raptors star Marc Gasol understands why a lot of people are doubting Spain in the upcoming FIBA World Cup in China, but he remains optimistic about their chances and what the Spanish national team can achieve if they play with confidence.
In an interview with Marc Stein of The New York Times, Gasol expressed his belief that they have enough talent to make noise in the competition. While Serbia is seen as the biggest threats to Team USA — the reigning champions — Gasol warned that Spain is no pushover and shouldn't be underestimated.
Spain is the second-ranked national team in the world, only behind the top-rated USA Basketball. Nikola Jokic and Serbia are ranked fourth while France comes in at third.
“I understand the reasoning behind it. But if we outwork people and we play as a team, I think we have enough talent to do a lot of damage.
“I see a lot of teams in the same pack, so it’s about timing. It’s about timing and peaking at the right time and playing confident. That’s what I tell these guys all the time. Play confident and don’t worry about who we’re playing.”
Spain recently lost in an exhibition game against Team USA, a squad missing its biggest stars after a slew of withdrawals. Still, Gasol isn't shaken by the defeat in a tune-up contest, knowing for a fact that he and his teammates will be ready to step up when games matter the most.
Moreover, Gasol has been in this kind of situation with the Raptors last season. Toronto wasn't even seriously considered as a title contender until the playoffs began. However, they took their game to a whole new level en route to hoisting the Larry O'Brien trophy.
For Gasol, Spain can do just that.
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