Photo: FIBA

Pau Gasol recently shared his thoughts on how international NBA stars often display an added level of focus and intensity when representing their countries in FIBA competitions.

Speaking on ESPN’s NBA Today, the 45-year-old retired Spanish legend reflected on his own experiences and offered insight into the mindset of players like Giannis Antetokounmpo.

“I love his emotion. I love how much he loves his country, the pride in it, the dedication, the commitment that he has to his national team,” Gasol said, discussing Giannis and his approach during EuroBasket 2025, where the Greek star described winning a bronze medal with his country as the pinnacle of his career, even above leading the Milwaukee Bucks to the NBA championship and earning Finals MVP honors in 2021.

Gasol also spoke about his own mindset during international play, acknowledging a distinct difference in how he approached representing Spain.

“I was a different Pau with Spain,” he said, recalling discussions with former French teammate Tony Parker and moments from his own national team career.

“It’s something special to play for your country. Something special to represent your country, your people, your fans everywhere and anywhere you go, but especially when you play for your national team.”

The two-time NBA champion and 2006 FIBA World Championship winner retired in 2021, concluding a storied career that included multiple NBA and international accolades.

Gasol also briefly reunited with Giannis during a stint with the Milwaukee Bucks in 2019, logging his final three appearances in the NBA.

For Antetokounmpo, fresh off EuroBasket action with Greece and claiming his first international medal, the journey continues as he heads into his 13th NBA season with the Bucks, the franchise that selected him with the 15th overall pick in the 2013 draft.

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