German Gabriel, Asefa Estudiantes
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 German Gabriel has already tasted Eurocup success with Asefa Estudiantes. As a 23-year-old role player, German helped Estu reach the semifinals in 2003 in the competition’s inaugural season. He left the club after that season and made his Euroleague debut the following year. In the time that has passed, Gabriel has redefined his game and become an elite three-point shooter, added to his European success by winning the 2007 FIBA EuroCup and gained years of basketball wisdom. All those served him well when Gabriel returned to Estudiantes last season. This year, he has the team back in the Eurocup and within a 10-point home win of a spot in the Eurocup Finals. Gabriel may savor this year’s chance for Eurocup glory even more after a knee injury sidelined him for several weeks. But he showed in Game 1 of the Quarterfinals with 11 points and 9 rebounds that he is back, healthy and ready to make a run at the Eurocup Finals. "The club went through some difficult years and reaching the Eurocup Finals would be great for all of us," Gabriel said in this Eurocupbasketball.com interview, before ending with a promise: "We will give our best to make it to Treviso."
Hello German. First of all, how has the Eurocup season been for you and your team so far?
"I think that our Eurocup appearance was a prize for a good season in the Spanish League last season. We decided to take it as a prize, coming in to take one game at the time, without initial goals. We had to play hard and take things from there - and this is what we have done until now."
You lost in Zagreb by 9 points but were leading by 17 midway through the second quarter. What changed in the game for such a major turnaround?
"Well, Cedevita knew exactly what they had to do it - be loyal to its own philosophy. They are a shooting team and did not make their shots in the beginning of the game, allowing us to get a big lead. They kept playing their game and shots finally went in. We were not able to react and Cedevita managed to return to the game and win it."
Of course you play Game 2 at home and a sellout crowd is expected at Vistalegre. Is there a special atmosphere about this game, are people talking about it everywhere?
"It is special for the club, no question about it. We are all excited to make it to the Finals. I believe that in the next two days right before the game, people will start to wonder about it. The club went through some difficult years and reaching the Eurocup Finals would be great for all of us."
What did you learn in the game in Zagreb that can help you to win the series in front of your fans?
"We learned that we have to play hard for all 40 minutes. It is not that we relaxed, because that is not the word, but we stopped being aggressive. If we want to overcome our Game 1 deficit, we have to be more aggressive all 40 minutes long and make life difficult for them at Vistalegre."
Estudiantes is well-known for its different atmosphere. All the players seem to get along very well. Is there any secret to this special chemistry?
"I wouldn't say it is a secret. Our sports directors always look for good people, not only good players. This is why Estudiantes always manages to get good dynamics inside the locker room. The veteran players and the coaching staff help a lot to generate this good environment. That allows us to play as a team and get more wins."
It is not just the chemistry, but Estudiantes is also a special club, from youth teams to unique fans. How would you explain what Estudiantes is to a European basketball fan that is not familiar with the club?
"To begin with, Estudiantes takes good care of its youth teams. It has always been well-known for the number of elite players coming from its youth teams. Player development is very important in this club. It is not just a club that mostly cares about its first roster, but keeps an eye on all structures. Scouting for young players and developing them is very important, it is not just putting together a good team to compete in Spain and Europe."
 You played the first-ever Eurocup season back in 2002-03 and did not return to the Eurocup until now. What do you remember about the competition in its debut season and how has it changed?
"Well, being honest, I didn't notice a lot of changes - maybe because I played it long ago! I can compare with other competitions like the Euroleague or the EuroChallenge. To me, the most intriguing part is always the draw. It is not only the teams you play against, but where you have to travel to. All teams try to avoid long trips, which sometimes may be even tougher than practicing. The Eurocup is always a positive experience, as it allows you to focus on something different than your domestic competitions. It is always good to play two games a week, too."
You share most minutes on the floor with Nik Caner-Medley and complement each other very well. What do you like about Nik, on and off the court?
"As a player, I love his aggressiveness in every action. It has been a long time since I last saw an American player able to be on the floor without the need to score or have the ball. He helps a lot on the boards despite not being a very tall player and gets the crowd involved with his intensity and aggressive play. Off the court, he works hard - all the time. He manages to avoid distractions and focus on working hard. That allows him to have the season he is having."
With the years, you went from being a low post player to becoming an excellent shooter, but now seem to be doing both effectively. Do you feel that experience is helping you to have your best season?
"Yes, no doubt. A coach I had in previous years turned me into a shooting big man because he needed a player like that at the moment. I managed to develop the outside shot, but always stayed as a low post player. When my team has needed a low post presence, I can play that role. And it's true, experience allows you to play in several positions."
Estudiantes is one win away from reaching the Eurocup Finals. What would it mean for you to seal your ticket to Treviso, with the chance to keep fighting for the trophy?
"It would be a reward for the hard work Estudiantes has put in throughout the years. The club managed to leave its bad years behind by working hard every single day. Playing the Eurocup Finals would be very nice for all of us, and we will give our best to make it to Treviso."
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Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Javier Gancedo, Eurocupbasketball.com
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