“I didn’t even think about going to the United States.”

Madrid, 23 years old (European Press)

Joventut de Badalona player, Jordi Rodriguez, U-19 world champion this summer with Spain, did not “think” of following in the footsteps of players of his generation such as Adai Mara or Izan Almansa and going to the United States, since the “first” “moment” he wanted to sign a contract. Professional with his club, which will start the Endesa League on Sunday against Barcelona.

He added: “From the first moment I wanted to be in my team, I think I made a good decision. I didn’t even think about going to the United States. I knew I wanted to be here and I had already signed my contract.” The goalkeeper told Europa Press ahead of the introduction of the Endesa League.

The Barcelona son faces the new season with “great enthusiasm” and a great desire to “learn a lot” in order to improve as a player and continue his training until he proves himself in the elite. “The pre-season was very exciting, they gave me a few minutes and it helped me a lot to see what the league was going to be like and try to adapt a little bit,” he commented.

The biggest difference he noticed compared to LEB Plata is the “level of communication” and the need to focus “at all times”, because the slightest mistake “is punished a lot” and he has to get used to that. “I always have to be at my best, because if not, I will have a very bad time when I have to collide with bigger people,” he said.

Looking ahead to next season, Jordi Rodriguez will try to improve “as much as possible”, by “training by training” and leaving it all on the hardwood every minute he is out there. “I have to make the most of the opportunities I may have and do everything I can on the court,” junior point guard Peña said.

The season that begins is “very exciting” for the Badalona team, which will also try to go “game after game” to achieve the largest possible number of victories, although it does not set a “fixed goal” either. “We have to try to achieve what we did last year, which was very good, and if possible, surpass it,” he explained.

The Catalan was part of the Spanish team that managed to become U-19 world champions this summer, which is “unbelievable” for the managers, because it is the second time he has achieved this after the “golden juniors”, legends that he said “saw him on TV.” “And those he now wants to match as a professional. “Being world champions is a great pride and a great responsibility as well,” Jordi Rodriguez recalls.

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