Sam Van Rossom’s club Valencia did not want to release the player this summer. He wouldn’t even be able to sign a new contract there if he took part in the European Championship in September. Van Rossom accepted the demand and will stop at the Belgian Lions.
Dario Gjergja regrets the attitude of the Spanish club. “Sam did not want this. He was partially forced. Maybe we could have found another agreement, we are smart enough to handle the situation and limit the workload for Van Rossom, but his club did not allow this.”
Yet there is also understanding from Gjergja. “I partially understand Valencia and I fully support Sam Van Rossom. It would not be fair not to follow his decision. He has done so much for Belgian basketball that he absolutely deserves to make this decision on his own.”
Gjergja is very enthusiastic about the basketball player and person Sam Van Rossom. “Sam is an example for the young guys, with his leadership, his work ethic, everything he shows on and off the parquet. We are going to miss that big time.”
This is “hard” for the Lions, says the national coach. He sees big consequences. “On the one hand, we were preparing the future without Van Rossom, in two or three years, but now we are in a bit of trouble. We counted on him for the European Championship.”
Gjergja does not want to close the door. “If anything ever changes, he’s welcome again immediately.”
