The power forward of the Spanish national basketball team, Paula Ginzo, is preparing for the World Cup in Berlin, which will take place from this Friday until September 13, with a mix of responsibility and excitement, after an eight-year absence from the global competition.
Ginzo acknowledges that expectations are “very high” and that there is a general desire to achieve great success, although she warns that “it is not as easy as it seems.” Throughout their preparation, the team has overcome difficult moments, growing both physically and technically as the tournament approached. “We have competed well, which is what we were looking for,” she emphasized in an interview.
From the Endesa headquarters in Madrid, the 28-year-old player, originally from Santoña and raised in Ourense, highlighted the versatility of the team chosen by coach Miguel Méndez. “We play against Mali and China, who present different styles; adapting is key in a World Cup,” she stated. Furthermore, she emphasized the depth of the bench, allowing other players to shine if one is not having her best day.
Despite being a team with less height, Ginzo assures that the evolution of basketball has allowed the national team to develop an interior game that can also take advantage of three-point shooting. “We cannot do the same thing in every game; we have to adapt and be prepared for what each match demands,” she added.
The team returns to the World Cup eight years later, after their absence in Sydney 2002, which means that most of the roster, except for captain Alba Torrens, will face this experience for the first time. “We have talked about it, but we don’t think much about it, as the Olympics are similar experiences,” she commented.
Ginzo praised Torrens’ influence in the group, highlighting her human quality and experience as valuable for the team. The player also expressed that she faces this World Cup with a mix of responsibility and enthusiasm, acknowledging that although they would have preferred not to have had a blank year, they carry the responsibility of representing those who are not present, along with the hope of enjoying the tournament.
Regarding the first match of the World Cup against Germany, Ginzo underscored its importance and the anxiety that accompanies the start of a tournament, as it is often difficult to score the first basket. Additionally, she expressed her confidence in the Spanish League, describing it as the best league in the world, where any team can win or lose.
The preparation for this World Cup has been complex, as Ginzo was unsure about her participation until a week ago, with fierce competition for a spot on the team. “I had to keep working hard to be here, and while I’m in this position now, other players are equally deserving,” she concluded.
Source: www.infobae.com
