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Pau Gasol will play in 2016 Rio Olympics

By Patrick Schmidt

Apr 9, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls center Pau Gasol (16) backs down Cleveland Cavaliers center Tristan Thompson (13) during the second half at the United Center. Chicago won 105-102. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 9, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls center Pau Gasol (16) backs down Cleveland Cavaliers center Tristan Thompson (13) during the second half at the United Center. Chicago won 105-102. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports /
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The best Spanish basketball player of all-time will take part in the Olympic games in Rio.

Pau Gasol admitted he was concerned about the Zika virus as he contemplated playing for Spain in the Rio Olympic games later this summer. But his fears are not enough to trump his national pride and his commitment to the Spanish team.

Gasol confirmed his commitment to the Spanish basketball team on Saturday, via the Spanish newspaper Marca.

“My commitment to the national team is greater than my fears over what might happen,” Gasol wrote. “My feelings of passion and responsibility toward my national team, my sport and my teammates are huge. They have always been and always will be. My first instinct in that sense has always been to want to be with the national team each summer.”

Gasol still readily admits he is concerned about the possible health risks associated with the Zika virus, a mosquito-borne virus that has been linked to birth defects in infants born to women infected with the virus. Gasol has said he thought about freezing his sperm but is putting his faith and his trust in the people and health organizations who are working toward minimizing the risk to athletes.

“I will be going hoping and trusting that the people and organizations will do everything possible and take measures to minimize possible risk to the athletes. I have always had the doubt that they — so as not to put other elements of the event in danger — have not been mindful of the health and safety of the athletes and all those who will attend the Olympics in Rio — whether those people are athletes, accompanying family, friends or fans. It is a pity that [the situation] is like this.

“We must trust in the authorities that they will follow up with what they have promised and take proper measures.”

Gasol has been a fixture on the Spanish national team and was instrumental in leading his team to silver medals in 2008 and 2012 after losing to the United States in the gold medal game.

Gasol is also a free agent and seems unlikely to re-sign with the Chicago Bulls, so a strong performance in the Olympics could boost Gasol’s earning power back in the NBA where he could be a valuable veteran big man for a championship contender.

For more coverage of the 2016 Rio Olympics, you can check out our hub page.

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