The captain of Barcelona Lassa, Juan Carlos Navarro spoke to the official site of Panathinaikos Superfoods about the “Diamonds Are Forever” tournament.
-What is the main reason for accepting the invitation of Panathinaikos Superfoods for the “Diamonds Are Forever” tournament?
Obviously, for us it is a great honor to be a part of this Tournament. Dimitris was one of the greatest and he deserves this Tournament!
-Can you give us 3 words that characterize Dimitris Diamantidis?
For me he was one of the smartest pointguards I know, a great talent and a great leader for PAO.
-Do you remember a characteristic moment from the career of Dimitris Diamantidis?
Unfortunately, what I remember was his brilliant 3 point shoot in Palau against us in a Euroleague Quarter Final Play-off 2012/13.
-How difficult will it be for Panathinaikos Superfoods and for the Greek basketball to find a new replacement for Dimitris Diamantidis?
It’s difficult to say that. Perhaps no one will ever take his place nobody can do that never. But we know that Greek basketball has a lot of talent in general. So… who knows…
-What is the goal of your team for the new season?
Well, there have been many changes, like you know. But this is not something unusual, because every season one or two players want to go to the NBA. It’s not easy to build a new team year by year. I’m optimistic with my new team and my new coach. I think he is a great coach as his last team proved last season.
-How important is it for your team to compete in a tournament with such strong opponents in a packed OΑΚΑ?
Everybody knows that this Tournament will be preseason games, but we also know that we will have important opponents on the court. The following weeks, we’ll also play for the Spanish Supercup. So, for us it could be a good test.
-What is your opinion about Panathinaikos Superfoods of the new season?
They made a good team. In my opinion Bourousis is a great center and also, a leader, like he showed last season in Baskonia. Other players that arrived this season are great too, like James, Rivers… I think it is a good team like every year.
