ESP – Gold-Medal rookie Claver now captain of Valencia

VALENCIA (ACB) - The year keeps getting better and better for Spanish youngster Victor Claver.
 
After battling back from a serious knee injury to take part in the ACB play-offs with Pamesa Valencia (now Valencia Basket Club), Claver was selected 22nd overall in the NBA Draft by the Portland Trail Blazers, the team of Rudy Fernandez.
 
He was then a surprise inclusion in Spain's national team and travelled to Poland where he helped the world champions capture a gold medal.
 
Upon his return to Valencia, the club announced he would be their captain.
 
Speaking to the media with the gold medal around his neck, Claver said: "I am very happy to have been in the national team and to have contributed to winning a medal.
 
"It's a fantastic feeling and I hope I will have continuity in that group.
 
"Regarding becoming the captain, it gives me pride to be the captain of my home team and I think I am prepared to assume this challenge."
 
Valencia is a team loaded with national team players from all over.
 
The team signed Ukraine big man Serhiy Lishchuk and France guard Nando De Colo, who like Claver played at the EuroBasket this summer.
 
Valencia already had another Frenchman, Florent Pietrus, on the books as well as Serbia center Kosta Perovic and Australia national team forward Matt Nielsen.
 
Perovic has made huge strides since joining Valencia last season. This summer, he played an integral role for Dusan Ivkovic’s Serbia as they reached the title game at the EuroBasket.
 
In addition to the ACB, Valencia are in the Qualifying Round for the Eurocup.
 
FIBA