Lorenzo D’Ontez Brown became Lorenzo de Albacete during the Eurobasket 2022 celebrations. At the Spanish national team party, Usman Garuba thus vindicated the American point guard, who was naturalized by express means before the tournament amid a controversy over his lack of ties to Spain and national basketball. Any doubts about his signing disappeared on the court. Sergio Scariolo’s team won the most unexpected gold and Brown was the ideal playmaker to be champions. Today, after missing the last World Cup due to injury, the 33-year-old point guard is back at the helm of the team in an attempt to reach the Games. Before facing Finland today (8:30 p.m., Teledeporte) in the pre-Olympic semi-finals (Bahamas-Lebanon is the other match; 5:30 p.m., Tdp), Lorenzo de Albacete, new Panathinaikos player, reflects on his style and his adaptation to La Familia.
Ask. How do you remember your naturalization to play for Spain?
Answer. It all started because coach Scariolo believed in me. I was playing in Russia, for Unics Kazan, and my agent called me. He asked me if I would like to play for the Spanish national team. He told me that the coach thought I would be a great help to the team. Knowing the history of the Spanish national team, I immediately said yes.
P. Why did you want to play for Spain?
R. I had seen how this team competed in the Olympic Games, those finals against the United States in 2008 and 2012. And I knew that Spain could return to the Games and that was very attractive. I knew who Rudy, Sergio Llull, Juancho Hernangómez were… I thought that if the coach believed in me, playing for Spain would be a great thing for my career, and that it could also be good for the national team.
P. How was your first day in the locker room, how were you received?
R. Well, I was quite nervous because I didn’t really know what to expect, but as soon as I landed and entered this group, it was all love. The boys showed me total, complete love. And that’s one of the reasons why I’m back now to play with them. I feel like there’s a great energy in this team on and off the court, and that I’m part of it. I feel like one of them.
P. What did Rudy tell you as captain when you arrived?
R. He and the coach introduced me to everyone. And we got along immediately. They explained to me that this team is a family, and that’s what they call us, La Familia. Now I understand what that means and I can say that I feel like one of them. They welcomed me as one of them. And even though there is a language barrier, the boys teach me every day that I’m here. It’s true that sometimes I can be a little confused because I don’t understand something the same as the others, but that doesn’t stop the game or the friendship I have with these players.
P. How much Spanish do you know?
R. Now I can say a few words [la entrevista es en inglés]I had a Spanish teacher this past year thanks to the federation. Things were a little slower because the situation at my previous club, Maccabi, was a little complicated due to the conflict in Israel. I only had a month to work but the teacher was amazing. I hope I can go back to him soon to learn more things.
P. And do you know how to play pocha with your teammates?
R. No, no, not really. I played with them two years ago at the Eurobasket, but I’ve forgotten a bit…
P. How did you feel after the controversy over your naturalization? Scariolo went so far as to say that there was racism…
R. Well, I don’t pay attention to the things that are said on the Internet and on social media. Everyone has their opinion these days. But in the end, what is it all about? How I feel in this team, and with Spain I feel at home, and I think the lads feel good with me too. We can have the same problems as anyone else. And because we are playing the same sport, we speak the same language.
PScariolo says that the team has changed a lot “for the better” with you, and that you give balance and meaning to the game. Do you feel like a leader on the court?
R. Yes, on the court I do feel like a leader, from the point guard position. Although I always look at what Rudy and Llull do and say because they are an example. It makes me feel proud that players like them see that I can be a leader on the court. I thank them for giving me that extra confidence.
Q. What does the coach ask of you?
R. Be myself. When I first joined the national team, it was harder for me to take on some responsibilities because I was looking at what was going on around me, how the team was working. Scariolo told me not to be afraid to take charge, to step up. And that’s what I appreciate the most. He hasn’t told me not to be myself even once. I feel that’s what helps the team the most, being myself and being the passer that I am for these great scorers.
P. What do you prefer, giving an assist or scoring?
R. Giving an assist makes me happier because I love seeing my teammates enjoying the game. And once I feel that they are enjoying it, that’s when things happen on the court defensively. And of course, offensively.
P. Is that your biggest contribution to the game?
R. Yes. I think the most important thing now is my passing, being a kind of engine for the team, getting these lads going because in the end it’s about them, they’ve been working hard for this team for years. I’m happy when I see them enjoying the game and getting victories.
P. How do you describe the special connection you have on the track with Willy Hernangómez?
R. Willy is Willy. I love the energy he transmits on the court. I feel comfortable with players like that, I look for him and he knows that I’m going to look for him. He was one of the guys who made me feel most comfortable when I arrived, just like Juancho. Every day, really, these guys make me feel like I’m one of their brothers. On the court I feel calm with guys like Willy and Juancho, who support me 100%, it’s a very special feeling.
P. Are you planning to go to Albacete?
R. Yes! Usman started with all that Lorenzo de Albacete stuff and it’s a place I want to go to when I have time. I also want to learn and visit more things in Spain, to integrate more. That’s why I asked for a Spanish teacher, because I want to communicate with them without them having to translate for me and be part of everything they’ve experienced. Since they make me feel like one of the family, I should try to become one of them. I’m excited.
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