ESP - Ibaka makes vow to Spain

MADRID (EuroBasket) - Serge Ibaka has promised Spain fans he will give his all for his adopted country at the EuroBasket this summer.

The Oklahoma City Thunder forward was on Wednesday named in Sergio Scariolo's 15-man preliminary squad for the tournament in Lithuania, less than two weeks after receiving Spanish citizenship.

The Congolese-born forward is yet to pull on a Spain jersey but insists he cannot wait to do so.

As soon as I came to Spain, I wanted to play on this team,; he told AS. Everything has happened at my urging. I feel comfortable here, and I want to live here when I retire, maybe in Barcelona.

Ibaka admitted he could understand why some fans might be suspicious of his motives as he faces claims that becoming naturalised to play for Spain is the equivalent of "buying a medal", but said he hoped most of them would be supportive.

"I can respect it, but I think most fans are happy," he said. "I'm a citizen of this country. The people in Congo respect my decision."

Ibaka is now trying to get to know his team-mates so he can hit the ground running. He admitted he is leaning a lot on Rudy Fernandez, who he knows from the NBA, while he finds his feet.

I am talking a lot with Rudy, and I know I'll find a great atmosphere in the team, filled with desire," he said.

"Scariolo has asked me not to change anything about my game and bring all my energy."

FIBA