Gasol is statuesque in Spain

July 6th, 2009, 10:25 am · 5 Comments · posted by JANIS CARR, OCREGISTER.COM

Pau Gasol will play for Spain in the European Basketball Championship this September.

He better. Especially since the country is putting up a statue of him in his hometown of Sant Boi de Llobregat.

More than 1,000 fans turned out Sunday to welcome Spain’s top basketball player (sorry Ricky Rubio) when Gasol returned home, where he shared NBA stories and tossed out six autographed basketballs.

Mayor Jaume Bosch said a giant statue (about 7 feet?) would be unveiled in May.

Gasol said playing in the European Championships was an easy decision after winning the NBA finals.

“The season went really well for me and now I want to defend our country,” Gasol said. “We’re really hopeful about the team we have, but we can’t go there with a mentality that we’ll be playing the final just because we’re really good.”

Gasol’s aim is admirable, but after the Olympics last season and a long NBA postseason, shouldn’t rest be a priority?

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koopal says:

July 6, 2009 at 10:40 am

WE can say resting should be a priority for Gasol because as a Lakers fan, it might affect his play next season.

But who are we to say what his priorities should be?? It’s up to him where he gains more pride, NBA title or National Title.

Pinky says:

July 6, 2009 at 10:53 am

Rest when you’re dead.

deezy76 says:

Is Ricky Rubio playing in this tournament also? I certainly hope so…maybe I can try and see what all the fuss is about with this kid.

As for Gasol, yeah I wish he was at home resting instead, but I can’t be mad at a guy wanting to play for his country. I wish him the best. With summer leagues and stuff starting up, this seems to be about the time that some guys come off vacation and start training for the new season anyway. As long as he’s ready to go in October, then everything should be fine.