BRA – “One on one” with Leandrinho

LAS VEGAS (2007 FIBA Americas Championship) – Best scorer in the tournament until this date (with an average of 27 points), Leandro Barbosa (“Leandrinho”) has turned himself into the main figure of the undefeated Brazil, who had to go through some suffering to win over less-powerful Virgin Islands. The Phoenix Suns’ shooting guard, and his 36 points, was crucial for the win.

How can you explain what happened against Virgin Islands?

I think we weren’t focused when we get to the game, with the same state-of-mind we had in our two previous games. I think it was hard, but we did a good job in the second quarter, and forutnate enough to get away with the win.

Did you understimated your rival a bit?

No, there is no easy game. Every team that’s here will fight for the qualifictation. Virgin Islands are a good team. Yesterdat, I was telling my teammates how athletic they were, and that they knew the game. They did a great job on us.

You have a great deal of responsibility in this team. Are you happy with that? Or do you rather have more scoring options?

Sometimes I scored, and sometimes I don’t. I scored because I’m aggressive and that’s the way I play. We have a great team, and we’re together.

What do you think of tomorrow’s game against USA?

Tomorrow will be a hard game, very aggresive between both teams. Let’s see what happens tomorrow.

What does it mean to you playing against your teammates in the Phoenix Suns, Amare Stoudemire?

It means a lot. We are good friend, but he’s gonna be playing for his team, and I’ll be doing the same for mine, so we will not be friends on the court.

Do you think it’s intelligent to look for the victory or would you rather take a rest in order to avoid a physical waste?

I’m going to play as I usually do, aggressive. We have to deal with the respect we have for them. We will play.

Fabian Garcia
FIBA Americas