BRA - RAUL: 'I've learned so much over the past month and I just want to help the team in any way I can'
ISTANBUL (FIBA World Championship) - Raul Togni Neto is living in a dream. The youngest player in Brazil's national team, 'Raulzinho' was included in the South American team's FIBA World Championship roster following an impressive summer. The 18-year-old point guard made his debut on Saturday against Iran and showed he has a big future in the national ...
ISTANBUL (FIBA World Championship) - Raul Togni Neto is living in a dream.
The youngest player in Brazil's national team, 'Raulzinho' was included in the South American team's FIBA World Championship roster following an impressive summer.
The 18-year-old point guard made his debut on Saturday against Iran and showed he has a big future in the national team.
Raul spoke to FIBA.com about his first major tournament with the senior side.
FIBA: Congratulations Raul on making Brazil's team. Considering the basketball talent in your country, you must feel great pride to have made Ruben Magnano's side. How thrilled are you?
Raul: "At the start of the summer, I was included in the team just to learn and to gain experience. I played in warm-up games and did my best in practice. Following the injury to our back-up guard, I was included in the team. It's an unbelievable experience and a dream come true for me. I've learned so much over the past month and I just want to help the team in any way I can and try to learn as much as possible.
FIBA: You are following in the footsteps of your father, Raul Togni Filho, who represented Brazil as a player. How influential has he been in your basketball career?
Raul: "It was my father who introduced me to basketball and my passion for the sport grew. He played in my position and he has given me a lot of advice. He is a coach now and I have learned a lot from him."
FIBA: There seems to be a great atmosphere in the Brazil squad. Has it been easy to adapt to the national team?
Raul: "From the first day, I have been welcomed with open arms because the players know what it's like to be new in the team having experienced that themselves. It's great to practice and play with the likes of Tiago Splitter and Anderson Varejao. But I'm learning a lot by playing with Marcelinho Huertas, who is a great teacher. As for our coach Ruben Magnano, I speak often to him and we talk about tactics, about my game. He is very approachable."
FIBA: You will be playing with and against great players at this tournament. Is there a player in particular that you are looking forward to face at this event?
Raul: "I really like (USA guard) Stephen Curry because he plays in my position. I watched him play when he was in college (at Davidson) and he was great to watch - the way he moves on the court as well as his shooting ability. So I'm looking forward to play against him."
FIBA