Marc Gasol, the former NBA champion and current president of Bàsquet Girona, addressed his team following a tough loss to Fenerbahçe in a EuroLeague Women semifinal matchup. Speaking in Catalan after the game, Gasol emphasized pride in his squad’s effort despite the defeat, stating: “L’equip s’ha guanyat aquest reconeixement, han competit durant tot l’any i es mereixen acabar el torneig diumenge amb una victòria.”
The quote, delivered in the aftermath of the semifinal clash, reflects Gasol’s leadership role with the Girona women’s basketball team as they prepared for the third-place game. He acknowledged the physical challenge posed by Fenerbahçe, a powerhouse in European women’s basketball, while praising his players’ resilience: “Estem tots molt orgullosos d’elles, de la valentia que tenen, de la intensitat que han posat i de lo bones que són. Obviament el Fenerbache és un molt bon equip i ens han castigat físicament, però han lluitat fins al final.”
Looking ahead to the third-place contest, Gasol expressed indifference toward the opponent, focusing instead on the team’s performance and identity: “M’és indiferent el rival del diumenge. Sigui quin sigui, el que més m’agrada a mi és veure l’Uni i avui hem vist un gran nivell contra un superequip com és el conjunt turc.” His comments underscore a commitment to process over outcome, highlighting the growth and competitiveness of his squad throughout the season.
As president of Bàsquet Girona, Gasol has transitioned from his illustrious playing career — which included an NBA championship with the Toronto Raptors in 2019, three All-Star selections, and the 2013 NBA Defensive Player of the Year award — to a leadership role in Catalan basketball. His presence continues to elevate the profile of Bàsquet Girona in both domestic Liga ACB and European competitions.
The team’s appearance in the EuroLeague Women semifinals marks a significant achievement for the club, reflecting years of investment in player development and competitive ambition. Gasol’s vocal support from the bench and in post-game interviews has become a hallmark of his tenure, blending his elite playing experience with passionate advocacy for the women’s game.
While the loss to Fenerbahçe ended Girona’s hopes of reaching the final, Gasol’s message was clear: the season’s efforts deserve recognition, and a victory in the third-place game would serve as a fitting conclusion to a demanding campaign. His words resonated not only as encouragement but as affirmation of the team’s place among Europe’s elite.
Moving forward, Bàsquet Girona will aim to build on this experience, using the semifinal appearance as a foundation for future success. For Gasol, the focus remains on nurturing a culture of excellence, resilience, and pride — values he embodied as a player and now champions as a leader.
The third-place game will determine the final standings for Girona in this year’s EuroLeague Women tournament. Regardless of the opponent, the team’s approach will center on competing with the same intensity and unity that earned them praise from their president throughout the postseason.
As the club looks to the next season, Gasol’s leadership continues to bridge the gap between elite professional basketball and the growth of the women’s game in Spain and beyond. His voice, rooted in both achievement and humility, remains a guiding force for Bàsquet Girona.
Fans and followers can stay updated on the team’s progress through official club channels and Liga ACB communications as they prepare for the third-place matchup and look ahead to future challenges.
For now, the message from Marc Gasol stands as a testament to belief in process, pride in performance, and the pursuit of excellence — on and off the court.
