San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich had big words of praise for the EuroBasket tournament taking place as part of a four nation affair this year, claiming this iteration has been the best to date.
“I've loved it for many years and it isn't any different than any other year,” said Popovich. “Always on time, the competition is great, the people love it, the fans are great and I don't care who wins or loses, so it's fun.”
"FIBA #EuroBasket2017 has been the best yet!" Gregg "Pop" Popovich
📖 https://t.co/Uim9Fn3VWI pic.twitter.com/d86L80J6g9
— FIBA (@FIBA) September 6, 2017
The Spurs organization has always been keen in international talent and has been one of the most diverse in the NBA, boasting overseas talent like Tony Parker, Manu Ginobili, Pau Gasol, Patty Mills, and others.
Gregg Popovich has used these international competitions to personally scout talent and sign them prior to the start of the season, or at least keep tabs on them until they're off their contracts.
“There are always young players and some players that get missed for whatever reason,” he said. “So I have seen some players that I think have potential for the NBA. I think a lot of the European teams are now doing things that we do in the NBA, so the pendulum keeps swinging back and forth, so maybe it's time to think of something new.”
Popovich has borrowed some concepts of international play on the low-post, as well as other half-court sets, combining them with the three-point shooting that has become the life water of the new era of the NBA.
“Everybody loves to host this tournament…” Popovich offered, with this 2017 one being hosted between Finland, Israel, Romania, and Turkey. “…and this has been the best.”
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