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A call while on the Camino de Santiago put him on alert. “Carlos, we need you.” On the other end of the phone sounded the voice of Jorge Garbajosa, that in that first contact he explained that he had thought of him to resume the work that he himself had carried out for years in the national team and that had been deserted since he had become president of the federation. «At that moment I was caught a little off guard, but the call made me very excited. He told me a little about what he wanted from me, but it was not until a month ago that we made a bit of it, “he explains to ABC. Carlos Jimenez, new ‘Team Manager’ of the selection
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The one who was captain of the national team for years, in charge of lifting the first World Cup in 2006, is now the link between the presidency and the dressing room, but also the expedition leader and new team ambassador. A boy for everything who lives this happy stage after two and a half years away from the basket. «The truth is that I needed to give myself that air. After so long linked to basketball –after hanging up his boots in 2012, he continued on the Unicaja sports organization chart– I wanted to explore other paths and I have used the time to do so. I have traveled with friends, I have enjoyed my family and my children and I have realized everything that surrounded me and what I was not aware of because I was so involved in the wheel of basketball ». His words sound like liberation and recharge of energy. The one he needed to accept this new challenge in his return to the Federation. «This is my home and coming back is the best thing that could happen to me right now», Points out the former player, a legend of the national team with the gold in the 2006 World Cup, the Olympic silver in Beijing 2008 and his four medals in the European (three silver and one bronze).
One of his first tasks as head of the team was to communicate the call to those chosen for this qualification window for the 2023 World Cup. «It was a joy for me to see the feeling you get on the other end of the phone when a player receives that call. I could see the commitment of all of them from the first moment ». A call full of anecdotes, since most of the players still had not saved their phone and some of the young people were not very clear who that Carlos Jiménez was who was on the other side of the line. «I have a very common name and, of course, someone did not remember me or did not even know who I was … (laughs). I had to add that I was calling from the Federation, but I noticed that they were all very excited. I’m sure that from now on it will be much easier, ”he acknowledges.
Trips to the NBA
Anecdotes on a path that begins and that he faces with great enthusiasm. Among its functions will be to maintain the essence of the wardrobe, the one that has perpetuated the successes from its time to the present. I’m not here to be an inquisitor, but Yes, I will ensure that the philosophy of the ‘Family’ is still alive among young people. That is why I am so close to the group. That journey that I lived, the values that I received and that I learned at the time is something that must be transmitted to the new ones. That and the meaning of wearing the shirt of Spain, the commitment that emanates from that pride and what it represents.
Sitting in a chair at the foot of the court, Jiménez followed the team’s training sessions this week with the interest of a newcomer. It was in Guadalajara, the team’s headquarters during its preparation, where could finally be seen with Jorge Garbajosa, since all the previous conversations had been had by telephone. In that contact last Monday, the functions of a position full of weight were cemented that is the same that Laia Palau could occupy in the women’s team when she retires at the end of the season. Later, Jiménez traveled as expedition leader to North Macedonia, where Spain won with force, and the former player is already waiting in Jaén with the team the key duel against Georgia tomorrow Monday.
In addition to being close to the team during rallies, Jiménez plans to keep track of the Spaniards throughout the season. «My idea is to see myself with the players in the NBA. I want to know first-hand how they are and their availability. Convincing I do not think that you have to convince anyone to come to the national team. Receiving that call is always good news and whoever does not want to be here, will not be. Coming without commitment is a waste of time for everyone, for those who come and for those of us who are here, “he says emphatically, holding a position that will keep him away from home for many days. That is the worst thing, since he had already gotten used to living his family’s day-to-day life closely. Toll that you will pay with pleasure, since this new adventure with the national team is a gift.
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