ESP – Marc Gasol, Reyes and Rudy complete Ideal Quintet

MADRID (ACB) - A trio of Spanish internationals have completed the ACB’s Ideal Quintet with Rudy Fernandez of DKV Joventut, Felipe Reyes of Real Madrid and Marc Gasol of Akasvayu Girona all making the team.

Seventeen-year-old sensation Ricky Rubio and Brazil international Marcelinho Huertas were earlier this week named in the fabulous five which is voted on by the coaches, players, fans and media.

Gasol has enjoyed a meteoric rise this season in Spain, helping Girona reach the ULEB Cup final while also spearheading the team’s drive to the domestic play-offs.

"This is very special for me,” he said.

“I didn't think it would happen and I am very happy.

"I hope and I pray that this is not the best moment of my career, that I have better seasons ahead of me.”

Gasol, who was drafted by the Los Angeles Lakers in the second round of the NBA draft and later had his rights shipped to Memphis in the trade that sent his brother, Pau Gasol, to LA, may have played himself into the plans of the Grizzlies.

His only concern right now is finishing the season and then helping Spain attempt to win the gold medal at the Olympics.

"It's clear that I didn't expect to have such a great year but there's time to continue to improve and grow as a player,” he said.

"The ideal quintet would be a fantastic team and without a doubt, many teams would want to have this team.

“It's possible that four of these players in the quintet will play together later this year in Beijing."

Reyes has made the quintet for a second consecutive season, and he said: "This is the confirmation that I'm doing things well.

“It's very important for me. That the team achieves its aims is always above the individual achievements. I don't consider myself a leader, just another player that looks to help the team.

"I think the strength of Real Madrid is the team, we all work towards the final aim, which is victory."

Real Madrid will enter the Spanish post-season as the top seed.

"I've had a good season so far but up to now I haven't won a title this year and that is what counts in the end,” he said.

“But regardless of the numbers, the important thing is that I continue to work day by day.

"I am satisfied with my campaign because I think in recent years I have kept a good level. But my satisfaction this year is on having improved on certain aspects of the game, such as my work underneath the basket. My ambition each year is to be more complete as a player.”

Reyes also had kind words for his good friend Gasol.

"I think Marc Gasol's nomination is truly deserved,” he said.

“He has enjoyed a spectacular season and I believe he deserved to be in the ideal quintet.

“We have played together at the World Championship and in the EuroBasket and I hope that this year, if there are no injuries, we can be together again on the court."

Fernandez, a first-round draft pick by Phoenix last summer before having his rights traded to Portland, was also an ideal quintet selection for the second year running.

As good as Fernandez has been this year, he believes he can play even better.

“Things are going well but I would like to believe that my best season is yet to come," he said.

FIBA