MADRID (AP) — Oklahoma City Thunder forward Serge Ibaka says he is ready to help his adopted country Spain defend its European championship.
The 21-year-old Ibaka says he’ll give all his energy on the court. Ibaka, a native of the Republic of Congo, became a Spanish national this month.
He’ll join center Pau Gasol and brother Marc Gasol in the front court of a squad packed with NBA talent.
Ibaka says he is excited to play with point guards Ricky Rubio, Jose Calderon and Barcelona’s Victor Sada because “they make other players better.” He’ll share the paint with the Gasols and Madrid forward Felipe Reyes.
The European championship begins on Aug. 31 in Lithuania.
