“Playing for your country is hard to compare”

“I think many listen to and tell themselves” But it’s the third place, not the first “, and you already did it in the NBA.” » ESPN Journalist Malika Andrews Hardly summarized the perception of part of the public – especially across the Atlantic-for the bronze medal, which Giannis Antetokounpo received Giannis during the Eurobasket last week.

Hellene’s star explained that this third place was “The greatest realization of your career”Whose individual and collective records in the NBA, still transcends prestigious rewards. Feeling that understands and shares Pau Gasol, Called to NBA today Set In addition to Malika Andrews.

The former glory of Spanish basketball, both double NBA champions, but also world champion and triple European champion with La Roja, held Giannis Antetokounpus, emphasizing the influence that had a jersey of their choice during her career.

“I Like His Emotion, How Much He Derives From It, The Dedication And The Commitment He has, It Is Something Special To Play For Your Country, To Represent It, Its People, Their Fans, Wherever You Go. And Have Always Been Very Proud to Play for Spain. »»

“Slightly more” in choice

The right hand of Kobe Briant in practice in Lakers, Pau Gasol was muted as an absolute leader in the choice of Spanish, one of the best Fibi players on the planet. While Giannis Antetokounpo replied to some criticism on his adapting to the international competition, former Iberian interior believes that he was his country “Advantage”.

“Many people said that my game was different when I was playing Spain. I think I didn’t want to play for each of the NBA teams I played for, but playing for your country is just … It’s hard compared.” »

His words alter those “Greek freaks” almost perfectly, especially moved to her first podium with Greek after a decade in search of medal.

“When I win the name of the MVP, my mom is happy, my brothers are happy and probably my agent, but when I win a medal, 12 million people are happy” Then he explained the dollar star. “You inspire 12 million people to believe that something is possible. Whenever I play for Greece, I’m falling in love with basketball.” »

Giannis Antetokounpus in Giants of Europe Giants

Pau Gasol shared a similar anecdote around the love of jersey and his symbolic weight on his rival and a friend Tony Parker.

“He hit me in 2007. We organized the European Championship in Madrid, and Tony came to see me before the big match they had to play and already won, I mean, two or three NBA championships at the time” reported Spanish. “And he comes to see me say, ‘Pau, I’d replace the NBA title for a medal or for the title with my national team.’ He finally got it in 2013. years, and I know how much it means for him and his family. This means that many international players play for the country and achieve this success for their fans. “»

As Toni Parker, Pau Gasol and others Dirk Novitzki, Giannis Antetokounpo He entered this caste except for the players rewarded in the NBA and in the National Team. Enough to give a little weight a little more – that it really took … – on an exceptional career.