Chris Kaman not intimidated as Germany take on the mighty Spaniards in Round-2 of FIBA EuroBasket
German centre Chris Kaman has declared on the eve of a pivotal battle with the Spanish basketball team that he is not afraid of them. The two sides will clash on Wednesday in the prestigious EuroBasket tournament being held in
Lithuania, in which the Spaniards are billed to be the favourites.
Chris, who is based in the NBA with the Los Angeles Clippers, has been performing at a very high level for his side so far. Known in NBA for his skill on the glass and overall well rounded game; the centre has dominated the boards
in the tournament so far. He is the leading rebounder heading into the game and seemed confident he could keep it up.
"I'm not worried about anybody," he boasted.
Spain have a talented pool of basketball players, many of whom have their roots in the NBA. Marc Gasol just had a breakout season with the Memphis Grizzlies and established himself as a centre of metal in the NBA. His brother Pau
has been a perennial All-Star and is a two-time NBA World Champion with the Los Angeles Lakers.
Spain also acquired the services of Oklahoma City Thunder star Serge Ibaka. The centre who is known for his physical game and defensive prowess was awarded Spanish citizenship just before the tournament started and was happy to
play for his adopted country. Ricky Rubio is another name familiar with NBA fans as the skilful point guard finally signed a contract with the Minnesota Timberwolves this summer, after they originally drafted him in 2009.
Kaman recognizes the depth and strength at Spain’s disposal, but warned people not to overlook Germany’s spearhead, Dirk Nowitzki. Nowitzki won the NBA World Championship with the Dallas Mavericks this year and the player was named
as the Finals MVP for his thrilling displays. The German star is considered to be one of the great all time power forwards in the NBA and probably the best European player ever.
He was confident that with Dirk at their side, the German national team could overcome any obstacle put in front of them.
"I've been playing in the NBA for eight years and I play against all these guys. Serge Ibaka, the Gasol brothers, they're all solid players, but none of them are better than Dirk Nowitzki and none of them are any better than the
rest of us.
"We're all playing basketball and there is no reason to worry about any player. We just play our game and do the things we're supposed to do."
Things are getting serious in the EuroBasket tournament as the big teams go head to head in crucial games.
Tags: