Of the June 30 to July 5 The 21st edition of the Pau Gasol Academy By Santanderwhich this year stands out for being the most international to date, with participants from 36 different countries. Pau Gasol himself, acumadado of Felipe Martín, media director, online marketing, sponsorships and events of Santander Spain, and Miki Alcón, representative of Akaw Sports, have valued the consolidation and growth of the project.
“We have a great team in the Academy, every year we try to do better. It is a collective effort. In addition, we have many participants who repeat, faithfulness is also very important, ”he said Gasolwho stressed that one of the firm bets of the academy is gender equality. “We want the maximum possible equality in our academy. It is a job that we are proud. This year, for example, Silvia Domínguez will participate in the Academy. We try to look for figures and referents of women's sports that serve as inspiration and attraction for the participants, ”he explained.
On basketball and its evolution, Pau Gasol has shared its vision since its experience in sport: “I would have liked that the Euroleague would have won her with Barça, and if it had been the 2021, better. I sent him a message the next day, I am very happy for him, he has done a great job. ”
As for the future of European basketball, he points out that “From FIBA you are working to protect clubs, looking for some kind of compensation for those who lose players who go to the United States. It is a novel format that is in development. The trend from university basketball is great, they have many opportunities that make it difficult to compete to European teams. You have to give more opportunities to young people in Europe. “
On the possible integration or collaboration with the NBA in Europe, he says: “It is working on it, it is a process that is underway and it is being valued like. I try to follow it closely, it is something that interests me. The basketball model in Europe must improve, the economic model is not sustainable because most teams lose money. The NBA is trying to make our sport a step forward. I am in a privileged position to continue helping the basketball grow. Everything is advancing in good direction and we will see if in the end I have a role in the league or in some team. ”
Gasol also values the news that Spain is hosting the Eurobasket 2029: “It is very good news that the Eurobasket 2029 be in Spain. That can be played at Bernabéu will be a unique experience. The environment and perspective are different for the player. We will see if it is before 80,000 spectators, but it is something very positive that will help the sport continues to grow. ”
On the competitive calendar, alert about saturation: “The calendar is intensifying and must be managed well to avoid risks of serious injury. Parties cannot be added because in the end there is a general saturation in sport. Asked about a possible candidacy of Barcelona for future Olympic Games, he admits to ignore details: “NOr I know how that fall in candidacy for the winter Olympic Games together with Aragon.”
Finally, Gasol has spoken over the NBA finals: “I am not surprised by the two teams that play it. Maybe before starting the playoffs I would not have opted for Indiana. It is very important to have a healthy template for playoffs. I keep watching OKC as favorites, I think it's no secret, but I hope it is a very competitive and exciting final. ”
The Catalan has ended with a reflection on Spanish sport: “We have great Spanish athletes. We must be proud of Nadal's races and mine. Now it is the time of other athletes, who represent us. We are a worldwide pride. “
