ESP – Calderon raring to go for Spain

MADRID (2010 FIBA World Championship) - Jose Manuel Calderon cheered Spain on from the sidelines last year as they captured a first-ever European title.

The Toronto Raptors playmaker, who was recovering from injuries, is eager to make his return for the FIBA World Championship in Turkey.

Calderon was the starting point guard on the Spain team that captured the world title in Japan four years ago.

"We are going to the World Championship in Turkey with a special motivation,” he said.

“It seems as though we have more pressure but it's on the contrary because I think it must be something impressive.

“I am going to Turkey with a lot of enthusiasm.

“I hope we can compete for the gold medal, although I am sure that if we continue on this path, we can reach the final."

Spain will take on New Zealand, Canada, Lebanon, Lithuania and France in Group D.

Those Preliminary Round games will be played in Izmir.

Calderon recently became a father for the first time when his wife gave birth to a baby boy.

The son’s name is Manuel.

FIBA