How about the return to training?
Good. The first few days are the toughest because some of us come back from more than a month of vacation. It's normal that it's hard for us. The sessions are tough, physical, and intense, as always. We're looking forward to the friendlies.
Although you've had few training sessions, do you notice a difference from last year?
It's still very early. But I don't want to talk about last year or make comparisons. We have different coaches who know us and come with a lot of enthusiasm and excitement.
What has Scariolo asked of you?
To take a step forward because of all the absences we have.
Now you have 206 caps, if you reach the final, you would reach 222, just one behind Juan Carlos Navarro. Is that another reason to fight for the gold?
That is secondary. I want to reach the final because I want to win, and every summer that I come, that is my goal, the priority. It is nice to get more caps, not because I want to be one behind Juan Carlos, but because I love having worn the national team jersey so many times.
How does it feel to be captain for the first time?
The same. The same pressure as before. It's very easy to be captain here, you don't have to do much because everyone comes to work and give 100%. The only goal at first is to help the newcomers adapt and integrate well into the group.
Is there any team that you're particularly excited to face in this Eurobasket?
You're excited to face any team because we want to go far in this championship. The teams in the group stage are very strong, it's a very tough group, but no European Championship is easy.
With this national team, does it go from euphoria to pessimism in a minute if there is a bad result? Is it all or nothing with this team?
Yes. We've "spoiled" people because when you win so many medals and achieve so much success over the years, if you don't achieve the goal, people feel disappointed. What happened last year was a very hard blow, everyone had high hopes for us and we didn't deliver. This year is different both in terms of players and coach. We're going to work to go further than in the World Cup.
Was the Euroleague a thorn in your side or a burden?
It was a thorn in my side. I had come close in the last two years and I knew that with the team we had, we could win it, and we did. I've taken a weight off my shoulders, it was the only title I was missing and now I feel a bit more relieved. Next year I will fight again for all the titles.
You've won everything: Leagues, Cups, Super Cups, gold in Eurobasket and one in the World Cup, Olympic silver... not bad for a sporting career. Did you ever think it was possible to achieve so much success?
No, not at all. When I started playing, I did it to have fun and enjoy myself. But as I learned more and improved, I set myself more goals, but I never imagined I would achieve everything I have in these years. Especially because it had never been done before and it is very difficult to do. I am very happy now to look back and see all these successes. But I still want more, I want to increase my list of achievements.
Is your brother Alfonso envious?
No way. He is very proud of me. He is my number one fan.
Willy Hernangomez is your teammate in the national team and will be at Real Madrid, will you be his mentor?
He is experienced, but I will try to help him in any way I can. He is very hardworking and has a great future ahead of him. I'm sure he will bring a lot of joy to Spanish basketball in the coming years.
Do you still learn at 35?
Of course. The young players who come to this national team come with a lot of enthusiasm and intensity. That motivates you and helps you train harder and always give 100%.
Ginóbili said he was tired at his age (38 years old) of chasing players aged 20 on the court, do you feel the same?
Not at all. I feel the same as when I was 20 years old. It motivates me even more to run as fast as the young ones.
Is there any center that has marked you in your career?
My brother. I have always looked up to him since I was little and he has been my idol.
And which one has been the most difficult to defend against?
Pau is very difficult. He is a very big guy, with a lot of quality, and quick movements.
How do you see the new era of Real Madrid with the arrival of Thompkins and Taylor?
It looks very promising. We are keeping almost the same players, and that will help make the team more competitive. It's going to be an exciting season again for Real Madrid fans, but we're going to face very difficult teams that will make it very challenging for us.
Thompkins is going to be your teammate in the paint, how would you describe him?
He is a four-five who rebounds well on defense and has a very good shot.
Were you expecting Salah Mejri's signing with the Dallas Mavericks?
This year NBA scouts came to watch his training sessions, so it was a possibility. In the end, he achieved his dream. I was happy for him. He is someone who deserves that reward.