Manu on Scola and Rockets excerpt from article written in LANACION.com on 07/27/07

Here is a very short excerpt from an article in an Argentinean newspaper call LANACION.

“I want to go…and am going to Beijing”
By Miguel Romano

article link

<b>Let’s talk about the NBA: the west is getting tougher every year, especially with the addition of Oden in Portland, Durant in Seattle, and Scola in Houston. Does this mean that it will be difficult for the Spurs to be repeat champions?</b>

- Every year I have a rotten feeling because the west is getting better! Every year it’s the same. However, by all means, I am very happy for Luis, who will finally realize his dream. In addition, Houston is the closest NBA city to San Antonio and since we are in the same division we will face each other four times during the regular season. Therefore, I am happy because I am sure that Luis and I will see a lot of each other. Also, we could get together during some of our free time that might overlap. But in terms of the west, I am sure that it will be tough this year.

<b>Has Houston always been a tough rival for the Spurs?</b>

- Yes, they have always been a tough match-up. They have very good defense, along with the impressive talent of Tracy McGrady and the tall Yao Ming. We were very excited when Utah eliminated them from the playoffs.

<b>What advice would you give to Scola?</b>

- It is always a mystery how things will work out for you in the NBA. He has great potential as a player and to become an all-star, but he will have to do everything with patience and tranquility. There is not need to pressure him, nor have high goals and expectations from him. If he becomes a success from the start, he shouldn’t believe that he has succeeded. In the NBA everything is changing all the time and you have to maintain a sharp state of mind all year long.

<b>Do you feel that Scola is coming with more name recognition than you or Nocioni?</b>

- It could be, but you must consider that Luis has been one of the best players of Europe for five years, and three times the MVP of the Spanish league. By the time when we stood out, he already had more trophies than us. But I repeat we shall not pressure him, we have to leave him alone and let him do his work.

END OF ARTICLE

My favorite part is when he talks about the Rocks and their elimination from the playoffs. It make me think that we may have had a chance against SA in the conference finals had we beat Utah in the first round. Oh well...it is all in the past and we only can focus on the future. Talking about the future...will we still be a tough match up for the SA Spurs considering that our defense may not be as strong as last season? Many unanswered questions...

Man, I can wait for the season to start!!!

 

Thanks, I haven't slept much lately that one must have escaped my mind.
jsm