Santi Aldama thinks Spain has a shot at gold at 2028 Olympics

hoopshype

Thu, 6 Feb 2025, 1:25 am·2-min read

About the Spanish national team. You said on Media Day that you would like to win Olympic gold in Los Angeles 2028. Do you really think the team has what it takes to achieve that? Santi Aldama: 100%. I mean, that's why we play—for the Olympic gold. There are still almost four years to go, but that's why we take it step by step. And I really believe we can. In the end, we are a super competitive team. It's clear that there is a generational transition happening, but I think that within that process, we have to be as competitive as possible and give our all every day. And I don’t see a reason why we can’t compete for it there.

Kristaps Porzingis and Guerschon Yabusele faced off 🙌🏽

Elsewhere, Santi Aldama stepped up against Milwaukee:

"It was a team we had to win against, really, just for pride," Grizzlies forward Santi Aldama said. "I don't know if I could've slept knowing they'd beat us four times." The Grizzlies did it — even though it took until the final seconds. Jaren Jackson Jr. hit a pair of free throws to give Memphis a 120-119 lead, and Fred VanVleet's shot hit rim and bounced off a few seconds of game time later. Houston didn't get another shot off, and the crowd at FedExForum went wild. -via Memphis Commercial Appeal / January 31, 2025

Aldama, who grew up in Spain, recalls most of his history lessons in school being about World Wars I and II, but King was mentioned as an important figure in history. Coming to the United States, Aldama had to adjust to a different culture, and learning the historical significance was valuable. “It helped me understand the country I joined,” he said. “The first time I visited (the civil rights museum) was huge, but especially the second and third times. I got to see in more detail and more perspective what he was fighting for. He inspired young people to fight for something.” -via Memphis Commercial Appeal / January 19, 2025

Grizzlies players come from all over the United States and the world. They’re educated on King's teachings and on civil rights with an annual visit to the National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis. “For people who haven’t been there, I for sure recommend it,” Grizzlies forward Santi Aldama said. “It’s very different than any other museum that I’ve been to. I feel like this one is more in detail.” -via Memphis Commercial Appeal / January 19, 2025