Maybe Spain's good luck will continue this summer in London for the 2012 Olympics. The national soccer team was able to defend their crown by winning Euro 2012, and now the national hoops team will try to win the gold medal in the Olympics after losing to the United States four years prior. One person that believes they can definitely win is Oklahoma City Thunder big man Serge Ibaka.
Ibaka, who plays for Spain after becoming a citizen in the country and playing in Spain professionally, will help anchor a massive front line that will include Pau Gasol and Marc Gasol. Spain will miss the floor generalship of Ricky Rubio, but Ibaka says that they've still got a great chance of bringing home the gold medal.
Ibaka spoke about Spain's chances to compete with the United States.
They are just like us, they also have players with a lot of talent. They are a different team to 2008, but their players are still very good."
Ibaka on recovering quickly from a long season and playing in the Olympics in 3 weeks.
'There's no time to rest, we have to find our rhythm for the competition already for these friendly games we have, see how we feel."
Ibaka on playing the United States in an exhibition and the schedule that looms.
"We should only worry about our own preparations because it's a long road to the final. The most important thing is to give our all to get there."
Spain will play in a few exhibition games before opening versus China on July 29. Spain will play the U.S. in Barcelona on July 24. The next time the Spain can play the U.S. will be on August 12 in the final.
For more on the Oklahoma City Thunder be sure to check out SB Nation blog Welcome To Loud City.