ESP - Injured Gasol maintains hope of playing in world final

SAITAMA (FIBA World Championship) - Pau Gasol may be robbed of the opportunity to play in Spain's world title showdown against Greece if he doesn't recover from an ankle injury.

The 2.15m power forward had 19 points, 11 rebounds, two assists and also blocked three shots but he had to watch the dramatic last minutes of Friday's semi-final win over Argentina from the bench.

Gasol fell awkwardly under a challenge Argentina's from Fabricio Oberto and though he did stay in the game to make two free throws, the big man was helped to the bench and Spain held on for a 75-74 triumph.

He was taken to hospital in Saitama for x-rays after the contest and the Spanish Basketball Federation will confirm his status later on Saturday.

"Right now, it is difficult to know if I will be able to play in the final but I know that my team will be ready for anything," Gasol said on his official website, paugasol.com.

"I have full confidence in my team-mates, that they will succeed.

"We are 48 hours away from the final and I will do everything possible so as not to miss it."

After the final buzzer of Spain's victory over the Argentinians, the atmosphere was a mixture of joy and sadness because of Gasol.

"Of course, we are  aware of what we have achieved," said Jorge Garbajosa, "but we are all saddened due to Pau Gasol's injury.

"He is our leader, our flag, and he doesn't deserve to miss this final."

Garbajosa and Marc Gasol, Pau's younger brother, carried the superstar off the court at the end of the game and it was a heart-wrenching picture as both Gasols were in tears.

Despite his uncertain availability, Pau Gasol has not forgotten his team's finest moment on the international stage.

"We have achieved our initial aim which was to be in the final of this tournament and this has been possible thanks to the collective work, which is our true strength," he said.

By Cindy Garcia-Bennett
FIBA