ESP - Garbajosa not ruled out of EuroBasket yet

MADRID (EuroBasket 2007) - The Toronto Raptors will not stand in the way of Jorge Garbajosa making his comeback from injury in Spanish colours at EuroBasket 2007, the power forward has claimed.

Garbajosa helped Spain win the world title last year in Japan and he was enjoying a fine rookie season in the NBA before suffering a season-ending ankle injury at the end of March.
He remains a long way from full fitness, but has set his sights on representing the world champions on their home court when Spain hosts the EuroBasket in September.

"Toronto have never created any problems for me with the national team," Garbajosa said on Tuesday at a press conference in Madrid.

"If there is any chance of playing at the EuroBasket, I won't have any problems with them. All they have asked of me is to recover as soon as possible and to be careful."

Toronto may not have anything to worry about anyway, as Garbajosa admitted he is a long shot to make the team.

"I've always said that I had more fitness to play for the national team than anyone else, but I have to admit the chances are not great," he said.

"Nevertheless, as long as there's a small possibility, I will try to recover faster."

Even if Garbajosa has to miss out, he has promised to be on the sidelines to cheer on the team.

"I thought about speaking to the federation to see if I can help the team in any way and from the very first moment, they agreed with me and gave me their consent," he said.

"If they allowed me to do so, I would like to be part of the national team because they are part of my family."

Garbajosa was voted to the all-tournament team as Spain won gold at the FIBA World Championship in Japan last September.

Though he struggled at times with Toronto, overall he had a good year as the Raptors marched to the Atlantic Division title.

The ankle injury happened in a game against the Boston Celtics. After blocking a shot by Boston center Al Jefferson, Garbajosa landed awkwardly and had to be helped off the court.

He had surgery soon after and it was deemed successful.

"I feel much better," he said. "Each day that goes by is a step forward.

"It's not a complicated injury, but risk of a recurring injury would have dangerous repercussions."

Cindy Garcia-Bennett
FIBA