ESP – Pepu is all pepped up on Spain center Marc Gasol

MADRID (Olympics) - Spain coach Pepu Hernandez is among those marvelling at the development of Marc Gasol.

Gasol is averaging 16.4 points and eight rebounds per game this season in the ACB.

He has been one of the league’s most consistent players and will be a pivotal member of the Spain squad this summer when Hernandez’s team attempts to add an Olympic title to the gold it snatched at the 2006 FIBA World Championship in Japan.

"His development has been spectacular,” Hernandez said. “I know he doesn´t want to settle for just this and I believe he will be one of the most extraordinary players of our basketball.

"I think Marc can play anywhere he wants to next year and that is good news for him and for those who are following his career."

Indeed, Gasol was drafted last summer in the second round by the Los Angeles Lakers, who subsequently traded those rights to Memphis in the deal to acquire brother Pau Gasol.

Marc Gasol has led his club into the final eight of the ULEB Cup and is also attempting to fire Girona into the ACB play-offs.

Akasvayu, the winners of the EuroCup in 2007, are currently eighth in the ACB standings.

Hernandez, meanwhile, warned that no team should take hosts China lightly, even if Yao Ming does not recover in time from his foot operation.

"China with or without Yao is always a great rival,” Hernandez said. “China have been preparing for the Olympics for several years now."

FIBA