ESP - Gasol, Navarro would relish Aito at Spain helm

BOSTON (Olympics) - Spain superstar Pau Gasol is hoping the country’s basketball federation acts quickly to replace Pepu Hernandez following his sacking as national team boss.

Gasol, who on Thursday was to play in his first NBA Finals game with the Los Angeles Lakers at the Boston Celtics, admits he would love to have the chance to play for his former Barcelona coach, Aito Garcia Reneses.

Aito stepped down last week as DKV Joventut boss after leading them to Copa del Rey and ULEB Cup glory this season.

Gasol, the MVP of Hernandez’s 2006 FIBA World Championship team after leading the Spanish to the title, said: “I hope whoever takes over has the enthusiasm and willingness to get a good result at the Olympics. I know Aito Garcia Reneses. I’ve known him for a while and I would be delighted, but if it's someone else, equally.”

The seven-foot Gasol believed Hernandez had done a great job on the court in his more than two years with the national team.

"I think this situation was a little unfortunate although I don't know exactly the reasons why it has come to this point to sack the coach,” Gasol said.

“On the court the team worked but outside of it, I don't know what has happened but it's an unfortunate situation.

"I just hope that the federation (FEB) appoints a new coach as soon as possible to start planning for the Olympics."

Juan Carlos Navarro, Gasol’s best friend and also a Spain player, would also like Aito to take over.

Navarro, who is coming off his rookie campaign in the NBA with the Memphis Grizzlies, said of Aito: “He’s a great coach and has proved that for many years.

“I know him because he was my coach in my first seasons at Barcelona. He has achieved many titles and would be good for the national team.”

The Olympics tip off in August.

FIBA