ESP - Ibaka aims to be a pillar of Spain for years to come

OKLAHOMA CITY (NBA/FIBA Basketball World Cup 2014) - After winning almost every trophy and medal over the last decade and coming off a third-place finish at EuroBasket 2013, Spain's national team will take aim at claiming another title this summer when it hosts the 2014 FIBA World Cup.

Over the years, one of the key reasons for the Spaniards' success has been the incredible amount of talented big men at their disposal.

Players such as Pau Gasol (Los Angeles Lakers), Marc Gasol (Memphis Grizzlies) and Felipe Reyes (Real Madrid) have been major contributors in helping the team climb to second in the FIBA Men Ranking.

However, as time goes by for this trio and with the international careers of Pau and Reyes nearing an end, Spain's staff has been integrating young players in order to keep being competitive in the paint.

Serge Ibaka, Oklahoma City Thunder's power forward, is expected to be one of the pillars of Spain's frontcourt for years to come.

He has already proved his worth in helping the national team to the title at EuroBasket 2011 - on his senior debut - and a silver medal at the London Olympics the following year.

With a little over 100 days to go to Spain 2014, the 24-year-old admits the importance of the national team.

"Wearing Spain's jersey is an honour for me. I am working hard in order to be an important player in the future of the team," he told FIBA.com.

National team head coach Juan Antonio Orenga will be keen to have the former Ricoh Manresa player, arguably one of the most athletic big men in world basketball, as part of his roster for this summer's hoops extravaganza featuring the 24 best national teams from around the world.

Ibaka is one of the NBA's most solid defensive players and wants to help Spain stay among the best in the world.

Despite some injuries that prevented him from taking part in the last EuroBasket, he followed the performances of his compatriots in Slovenia.

"They played very well even though they didn't win the tournament. A lot of important players, like Pau Gasol and Juan Carlos Navarro were not there, but the team shown some great things," he said.

"They were unlucky during the Semi-Final against France. It was a thriller and probably one of the most exciting games I've ever watched.

"Marc Gasol played extremely well and demonstrated incredible leadership. I am looking forward to playing with him again and to help the national team win other titles."

Ibaka is very motivated as he casts his eyes to upcoming national team competitions and eager to make himself available to Spain as much as possible.

"Both my NBA and national team careers are important. I am frustrated when I am unable to play for my national team like it happened last year. If I am in shape and not injured, I would like to participate in every competition for Spain," he explained.

Spain, one of the favourites at FIBA's flagship event, were drawn in Group A alongside France, Brazil, Serbia, Iran and Egypt.

"It will be an exciting tournament because we are going to play in front of the best fans in the world: our fans. The group is tough, but we are going to fight for the title," he said.

"We are going to have a very competitive roster and I am sure that everybody wants to make history. Winning at home would be incredible."

Before the busy summer though, 'Iblocka' is currently focused on helping the Thunder win their first title.

In his fourth season, the 2.08m big man averaged career highs in points (15.1) and rebounds (8.8) to go with 2.7 blocks per game.

"I am feeling comfortable on the court and full of confidence," he admitted.

"I worked hard on my offensive skills and now I am a more than a defensive player. I can shoot and be a threat outside the paint."

"The team is playing very well and we will do everything to reach the top of the league. We want the title."

The Thunder beat the Los Angeles Clippers, 112-101, on Wednesday night to even their best-of-seven-games Western Conference Semifinals at 1-1.

FIBA