The Andorran became the first signing of the debut in the ACB and he didn’t have to think much about it, to say the least. Marc Gasol himself had explained the project to him when they shared a dressing room with the Spanish team – they won gold at the 2019 World Cup – and Aíto García Reneses was also involved
You can’t say no to Marc Gasol… Did it take a lot to convince him to sign for Basketball Girona?
Not much, really. We have a very good relationship, especially since the World Cup because we got along really well. I liked the project from the first moment when he proposed it to me and then the figure of Aíto was key for me to take the step. I am very happy and I really want to be able to help.
It was the first signing. What did you like most about the project?
I know what Marc is like, how he does things and how he thinks about living life and basketball. We are quite aligned with our way of thinking. In fact, when we met at the World Cup, he had already told me a lot about the club and we even watched the training sessions when we were focused on the national team. Apart from being where he was, he was also very keen on the club and its growth. It’s nice to see him with such interest and excitement, I hope I can help him so that the club continues to grow and consolidate in a league as important as the ACB.
Personally, what goal do you set?
Every year it changes a little, but in the end the key is to have fun and have fun. When this happens, it means the team is playing well and things are also rolling. It is the most important thing. In addition, I want to be comfortable in the city and, above all, help with my experience in the Girona project, which is very young, to achieve everything that is proposed.
How long has he been coming?
For now, I know how much I’ve signed for, but you never know. They are two seasons plus an optional one. It remains to be seen how it goes, but I’m very happy to be in this project and hopefully I can stay with it for many years.
What do you think of the mix of youth and experience in the squad?
Really good. I think it’s a pretty good mix. Apart from the fact that Aíto likes to work with young players. Also the veterans, but I think for them there is nothing better than being with Aíto because they will learn a lot. The team will evolve day by day because we work very well. In time, it will surely show.
How do you see the three bases of the team? (Josep Franch, Pol Figueras and you).
We are all different. As I said before, there is also a mix. I may be the one with the most experience because I have spent many years in the ACB or abroad, but Josep already tasted it years ago and Pol is new but will adapt to it. I think we are three players with a lot of quality, we can take Aíto’s ideas and pass them on to the pitch. Apart from the fact that he has bet on players from here, which is always good because there is feeling.
Has Albert Sàbat given you any advice?
Yes. We already knew each other because we met at Lleida, I was one of the juniors who went up to train and we had a lot of communication. Now at Girona he has tried to help me from the first day, transferring what the club is and what Aíto wants from the bases. Surely we will gradually evolve.
Do you think a signing is missing? Have the losses affected you much in the day-to-day preparation?
We have had some, but now that we are recovering players and those who were with their selection are rejoining, the potential of the team will be more noticeable. The squad looks very good, with enough players to face a league as demanding as the ACB. Hopefully, with the management of Aíto, we can steer the team in the right direction and enjoy Fontajau. In Girona, people are very into basketball and it shows.
Did someone stop you on the street?
Yes, there is always someone stopping you. I’m very excited.
Is the debut in Fontajau and against Real Madrid the dream debut in Girona’s return to the ACB?
Sounds easy, doesn’t it? I think it’s nice for Girona that a great team like Madrid comes and to be able to see great players again in Fontajau. Hopefully we can show that we are up to par and can compete against anyone. Fontajau must be a fort. We have to be tough at home in the first year of ACB.
How is the relationship with Aíto? I don’t know if I’ve ever had such a great coach…
He has quite a different style to the rest of the coaches I’ve had. They usually have a very marked system, which they cannot get out of, and Aíto is more about reading basketball: the game, what the defense is doing… This can benefit us a lot. A coach with this track record is hard to find in Europe. There probably aren’t any.
Was he sad that Sergio Scariolo ruled him out of the Eurobasket?
Yes, I was sorry. I had been with the dynamic for many years and I was all summer training with the national team, but things happen. I knew it was a possibility. It has also helped me to spend more time in Girona and do a better pre-season. Everything has its positive side. You never know what would have happened if I had stayed with Spain. I am very happy for my friends, who have finished the summer with a gold without anyone thinking about it. In the end you have to depend on yourself and enjoy yourself. I already had my moment, being able to win a World Cup with Marc. These are things that are not forgotten.
How did he experience Spain’s victory? According to him, it was totally unexpected.
A little yes it was because there were many doubts. But it’s also true that I’m used to always seeing Spain on the podium, at least, or with a gold medal. The last 18 years we have been on top of everything. We have a DNA, we know how to compete and fight, with tactical tricks to overcome rivals who are not so prepared. It will be important for Girona to also be a competitive team and fight for every ball in every match.
