PUR - Carlos Arroyo: ‘I don’t know any of our opponents’

ATHENS (FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament) - Carlos Arroyo is without a doubt the leader of Puerto Rico’s national team.

The 29-year-old point guard played for the Orlando Magic this season but is now fully focused on helping his country Rico claim one of three places on offer at the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament.

He gave this interview to us in Athens where the Puerto Ricans are now warming up for the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament.

Carlos, you have been present at all of the national team’s events in recent years. How much does playing for the national team meant to you?

Arroyo: It’s an honor to play for the national team and I will always be present. Every time I am wearing this jersey, I feel incredibly proud. And, now even more, as we have ahead of us the challenge to qualify for the Olympic Games and live the experience we had in Athens.

What were the reasons that made you join the team later than the rest of the squad?

Arroyo: There were some personal reasons, together with a camp that I am responsible of organizing in Puerto Rico. I really couldn’t be with the team any earlier.

What do you know about your current opponents, namely Croatia and Cameroon?

Arroyo: I don’t know anything about the other teams. I suppose that the coaching staff will inform us on time.

Is there any team that might scare you?

Arroyo: No, no team whatsoever. I am generally never feeling any kind of fear when I enter the court.

Looking at your situation in the NBA, you are a free agent. Are you opting to play next year in the NBA again?

Arroyo: Yes, definitely. Playing in the NBA has been my dream since I was a little boy. This will be my eighth season in the NBA and I am waiting for some offers. My mentality tells me to always follow my dream and this is to end my career playing the NBA.

FIBA