Madrid, Sep 7 (EFE) .- The Spanish power forward Pierre Oriola, captain of Barcelona, participated this Tuesday in the presentation ceremony of the Endesa Basketball League, which took place in Madrid, where he stated that they want to “start the season winning the Super Cup “, the first title of the course to be held this coming weekend and in which his team will face Valencia in the semifinals.
Regarding the continuity or definitive withdrawal from the courts of Pau Gasol, he commented that he had not yet spoken with him. “I have not spoken since we were with the National Team. We have not spoken more. Surely he is on vacation and enjoying his family. Basketball is very good, but the family is too,” Oriola said.
The Barcelona player pointed out that Pau Gasol is “the best player in the history of our country and Europe of all time” and that he expects him to “continue in the squad”, despite being “a very tough competition”, although Oriola settled confident that he will continue “working to continue having an opportunity.”
“All the lights are in Barcelona and Madrid, but Valencia has strengthened very well. Lenovo Tenerife is taking steps forward. Baskonia has made a brutal squad,” he said, referring to the other candidates for the Endesa League title.
The Barça captain, world champion with Spain in 2019 (in China) was excited about the return of the public to the pavilions: “We want people to come to the pavilions, also the rival fans. all the people who make this sport a passion, “he said.
He also gave his opinion on the change from Real Madrid to Barcelona and vice versa of some players this summer.
“It has not surprised me. Sport is like that. In the end when you have an opportunity, you can never say no to Madrid or Barcelona,” said the Catalan player.
Barcelona has added Turkish center Sertac Sanli, Argentine guard Nicolás Laprovittola, American forward Nigel Hayes and Lithuanian guard Rokas Jokubaitis to their squad this summer.
“The signings have adapted very well to the preseason, although it is still too early to make assessments. Four quality signings that give us a great plus,” Oriola said about his new teammates.
Oriola expressed that he is “well” and “looking forward” to starting the season. And as always, he will try to “add” the rest of the squad to “win as many titles as possible.”