ESP – Raul Lopez surprised by Spain call-up

MADRID (Olympics) - Knee injuries ruined Raul Lopez’s time in the NBA with the Utah Jazz and also put his international career on hold with Spain.

Now the 28-year-old Real Madrid point guard is back in the fold after being named in Aito Garcia Reneses’ Olympic squad and Lopez admits he’s been caught by surprise.

"The truth is, I didn't expect it,” he said.

“I have been out of the national team for several years and the truth is that I am delighted to be a part of this team.

“I always had a lot of enthusiasm to return to the national team. Fortunately, I have achieved this. I am very happy and my aim is to work to the maximum.”

Lopez didn’t get a sniff last year to make the EuroBasket squad, despite helping Madrid capture the Spanish ACB and ULEB Cup titles.

Former Spain coach Pepu Hernandez, however tempted he may have been to add Lopez, wanted to keep the team together that had captured the gold medal at the 2006 FIBA World Championship in Japan.

Lopez continued to work hard and thrived this year, his third season back in Spain.

And with Unicaja Malaga’s Carlos Cabezas injured for much of the campaign and Sergio Rodriguez getting little playing time with the Portland Trail Blazers, Lopez was this time deservedly named in the squad.

“We have a great group, able to compete at the highest level against any team,” he said.

“I want to enjoy this experience. In my career, I have gone through difficult times that have denied me the chance to play for the national team.

“To have made it to this team was one of my aims and I have achieved this."

FIBA