ESP - Gasol: "So far we're pretty damn good"

HIROSHIMA (FIBA World Championship) - With a star-studded squad including Pau Gasol, Juan Carlos Navarro, Jose Manuel Calderon and Jorge Garbojosa, the Spanish national team is considered one of the favourites for the title.

One of the keys to Spain's success will be the presence of Gasol, who missed the 2005 EuroBasket with an injury.

Now, the Memphis Grizzlies big man is back again and ready lead Spain to the promised land after a series of disappointing results over the past four international tournaments - fifth at the 2002 FIBA World Championship and fourth at the 2004 Olympics and 2005 EuroBasket.

The 7-footer took time to talk to FIBA.com about the progress of the Spanish national team; how it feels coming back to the team after missing last summer; who wins the team's card games; his love of sushi; and having his young brother Marc being selected for the team.

FIBA: Pau, how do you see the team right now in their preparations for the tournament?
Gasol: So far we're pretty damn good. We're playing well. We're winning with a lot of points difference. So we're good. We're just ready to get this thing going and see how far we can go.

FIBA: And your thoughts on the first game against a tough team like New Zealand?
Gasol: The first game is always a little stiffer. We have to get ourselves looks and be confident from the beginning. We're going to have a tough start with New Zealand because they are tough and play 40 minutes, no matter what the score is. It's going to be a good test.

FIBA: You missed last summer's Eurobasket in Serbia & Montenegro, how does it feel being back and how have the team-mates welcomed you?
Gasol: It feels great. The chemistry is great, the guys are great. Whenever I'm with the national team the atmosphere is really good. We always have a good chance to get far. We have a real competitive team. I think we're looking really good this year, maybe better than ever. So we'll see where we finish.

FIBA: Word is the team enjoys playing cards in the down time away from the court. Who wins and takes the money?
Gasol: It changes. We play three times a day. It's hard. It's always a game of luck. You have to get good cards to win. So it changes.

FIBA: Yeah, but there is a bit of strategy going into it as well though as well.
Gasol: Well, there is some strategy of course. I win some money myself. I'm one of the most consistent ones. But there are a couple who play really well.

FIBA: How's your brother?
Gasol: My brother's great. I'm happy he's here with the team for this FIBA World Championship. He's got a great chance here. I'm really happy for him. I'm happy for my family that we're both in the same team. And I'm excited.

FIBA: What have you told him in this whole process?
Gasol: There's not much I can tell him. He's 21, he's been around. He hasn't played much and hasn't had luck staying healthy. But he's tough and he plays hard. I don't know how much of a chance he's going to have to play in this tournament. But being here is great for him, and if he can help us, even better.

FIBA: Talk please a bit about the team's goal for the FIBA World Championship.
Gasol: We want to get far. We want to try to fight for the medals here. But we have to take one game at a time. It's not going to be easy here. Everybody wants to win a medal. So we're going to have to prove that we're better and that we're stronger and that we deserve it more.

FIBA: What do you think about the expansion from 16 to 24 teams for this competition?
Gasol: When it comes to final 16 that's when the championship starts really. What you do before is try to get a better spot and try to play against somebody that is not as strong. But that's when it really starts, when you stay or go home if you win or lose. So, that's what I'm looking forward to. I'm just trying to get myself into the championship and make myself a presence, really play well and try to help my team win.

FIBA: And what are your first thoughts on Asia?
Gasol: I don't know. Hiroshima is not one of the most exciting towns as far as I know. But I love Japanese food. I love sushi, so I'm good here. I came here to win a championship. That's what my mind set is. That's what I'm doing here. It doesn't matter where it is.

FIBA: Okay, Pau, good luck.
Gasol: Thanks

David Hein
FIBA