Reuters - Memphis Grizzlies forward Pau Gasol is very excited about this incarnation of the Spanish basketball team and he is willing to take on the challenge of being the team's leader.
"I know there is more pressure and a greater responsibility on me than the others. It is a challenge to overcome it and to make sure it doesn't affect me," Gasol told a news conference on Wednesday.
The 26-year-old former Barcelona player became the first Spaniard to be included in the NBA All-Star squad in February.
Spain beat defending world champions Serbia & Montenegro 89-62 in a tournament in Alicante on Monday, but Gasol recognizes the side still have a long way to go.
"The team fills me with enthusiasm. I want the tournament to start as soon as possible because it is only there when we will be able to prove whether we deserve to end up among the medals or not," he added.
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