Dec 9, 2010, 9:24 pm
It's over for Eurobasket, Olympics and 2014 WC. If He goes to Spain they will be unstoppable. What is your opininion Ibaka becoming a citizen and playing for Spain NT? Maybe even in Eurobasket?
http://www.fiba.com/pages/eng/fc/news/la.../arti.html
MADRID (EuroBasket 2011) - Pau Gasol has expressed the opinion that Congo-born power forward Serge Ibaka would be a good addition to Spain's national team if he were to be granted citizenship.
Ibaka, now 21 and playing with Oklahoma City in the NBA, moved to Spain as a teenager and played with Club BÃ squet LâHospitalet and Ricoh Manresa in the ACB (2008-09) before leaving for the Thunder in the 2009-10 campaign.
On Wednesday night, he blocked eight shots for the Thunder in their 111-103 victory at Minnesota.
He also had 10 points and five rebounds.
In September, Ibaka said he would, if asked, like to play for Spain's national team.
"Spain has done a lot for me and I want to do something in return," Ibaka said.
âThe Congo is the past. Oklahoma is my work place, and Spain is where I live. My younger brother, Igor, is playing here in Manresa.â
His remarks were carried by hoopsleader.com
Gasol, who has taken part in a fan question and interview session with Madrid-based Marca, was asked about Ibaka and Spain's national team.
"He is a young player that is playing at a high level in the NBA and could help the national team a lot," said the Los Angeles Lakers star forward-center, who is the most famous player ever to wear a Spain jersey.
"I think it's good that he gets the nationality."
Spain will next summer try to defend their European title and qualify for the London 2012 Olympics.
http://www.fiba.com/pages/eng/fc/news/la.../arti.html
MADRID (EuroBasket 2011) - Pau Gasol has expressed the opinion that Congo-born power forward Serge Ibaka would be a good addition to Spain's national team if he were to be granted citizenship.
Ibaka, now 21 and playing with Oklahoma City in the NBA, moved to Spain as a teenager and played with Club BÃ squet LâHospitalet and Ricoh Manresa in the ACB (2008-09) before leaving for the Thunder in the 2009-10 campaign.
On Wednesday night, he blocked eight shots for the Thunder in their 111-103 victory at Minnesota.
He also had 10 points and five rebounds.
In September, Ibaka said he would, if asked, like to play for Spain's national team.
"Spain has done a lot for me and I want to do something in return," Ibaka said.
âThe Congo is the past. Oklahoma is my work place, and Spain is where I live. My younger brother, Igor, is playing here in Manresa.â
His remarks were carried by hoopsleader.com
Gasol, who has taken part in a fan question and interview session with Madrid-based Marca, was asked about Ibaka and Spain's national team.
"He is a young player that is playing at a high level in the NBA and could help the national team a lot," said the Los Angeles Lakers star forward-center, who is the most famous player ever to wear a Spain jersey.
"I think it's good that he gets the nationality."
Spain will next summer try to defend their European title and qualify for the London 2012 Olympics.