02 SEP 2010
On an interview in the daily newspaper EL PAIS, Jay Triano assistant coach of the U.S. National Team and head coach of the Toronto Raptors, talks about USA Basketball, of the USA National Team in the World Cup and also about the situation of Jose Manuel Calderon in Toronto.
P. "During the summer, it seemed that Calderon was going to leave Toronto. What is his situation?
R. I'm going to explain it very easily. Calderon has been five years in the NBA, the five of them in Toronto. Do you think that an European player will last for so long in the same team if he was not an important player? Obviously, no. I regret the injury very much and that he can not participate in the World Cup. His trade options? The press talks a lot, but we must ignore the rumors. For me, he is important. Sometimes there are players who want to leave their teams, as Rudy [in Portland], or teams that want to sell them. But Calderon is valuable to Toronto. I just hope he is in good physical condition for when we start training."
24 AUG 2010
I did not think that it would be so short; I thought that this blog would last until the final of the World Championships but the circumstances are what they are. I think we all know what happened in the recent hours and the decision we had to make: I will not participate in the World Championships in Turkey because of a small injury in my left leg.
I had all of my enthusiasm put into this competition, especially after the disappointment of last season, but it cannot be so. I want to thank you for the numerous emails I received on my website, giving me encouragement and love. Really I thank you all, you have helped me to see things as best as possible.
I can only wish the best to my friends and teammates on the National team and most importantly, I want to give a special hug to Raul Lopez. It has now been eight years since the World Championships in Indianapolis, that I received a call to replace him when he had the same misfortune that I have had this time. Raul has always been a great teammate and a great player, if anyone deserves to return to the national team, it is him. From here I send all my support; I am sure he will do very well, as always.
Before my injury I wanted to speak on this blog about the game against USA and my chat with Brian Colangelo, the same day of the match. Regarding the game, the truth is I'd rather not say anything, it does not bring back good memories for me and I think you'll understand, but I want to talk about my conversation with Brian. First I would like to thank him for coming to Madrid to sit with me and tell me how things were and what had happened during the summer. He was very sincere and told me all the moves and why some did not advance. He also told me that they are counting on me in Toronto and that he trusts in me for this next year, all together we will achieve being a winning team. He and Jay Triano know they are going to be able count on me one hundred per cent and I am very happy because after five years in this city, I am the most veteran player of the team and from this responsibility, I want to return to the Raptors fans all you have given me in these years. From here, I tell them not to worry, in a few weeks I will be prepared and enthusiastic so that we can have a great season.
José Manuel Calderón
23 AUG 2010
This morning, after being examined by the renowned Dr. Guillen as well as with Dr. Lainez of the Spanish Basketball Federation, the Doctors have pulled Jose out of participation in the World Championships in Turkey, which starts on the 28th. A small muscle injury in the back of his left leg has motivated this decision. The recovery period has been estimated between 2 and 3 weeks.
06 AUG 2010
I arrived to Vitoria-Gasteiz yesterday afternoon, just on time to eat and train. It's been a long time since last time I had practice in the Buesa Arena, around six years. It was a great experience to step back on the court, see the people, old friends, many familiar faces, and many memories. I am proud to return to play here and of doing it with the National Team. Vitoria is a small town but talking about basketball, is very big, one of the biggest in Europe, as well as their fans.
We had a couple of days off after the match against Ivory Coast. It was an interesting game, usually these teams that are so physical are difficult for us, but with the contribution of all, we were able to win. Now we play against two rivals that are more in our game line, I mean Slovenia and Lithuania. They are good references to see how we stand in our preparation and if we are on the right track. I think that we're on the right track, but we must prove on the basketball court.
José Manuel Calderón
31 JUL 2010
Today I have started this informal diary of the World Championships in Turkey where I will tell you first hand, my impressions of this preparation and the Championship. As most of you know, we are together in Gran Canaria and training at a high rate. The truth is that since the first practice of the first day, we began working with great intensity and things are going well.
The atmosphere is fantastic and even though there are some new teammates, I don't feel any changes. We are a group of friends having a really good time and who have the luck to be able to compete at the highest level.
Personally, I feel great, both physically and mentally. It is evident that I would like to know what the future holds as soon as possible but my focus now is the National Team and this World Championship that we face as the defending champions. The future of the next season will be unrevealed whenever the time comes. Toronto and my agents are both working to find the best option for me but for now, there is not any news.
This week was intense but we are looking forward to playing the first game and to see if our feelings in the practices transition onto the court and in the competition. Tomorrow we will see.
From here, I would like to send a special hug to Paco Santana, my ex-friend from Vitoria, to which I returned to find here and the amazing few hours I spent remembering the past and those lengthy workouts so long ago.
José Manuel Calderón
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