Kori Ellis
11-13-2006, 10:30 PM
In His Words: Fabricio Oberto
By: Mauricio Mendoza
Fabricio Oberto is now part of the starting lineup for the San Antonio Spurs. He has slowly gained his coach’s and teammate’s trust and in only six games, he’s broken a franchise record shooting 11 of 11 from the field in the team’s victory against the Suns last week.
His numbers and game minutes have tripled during this season’s first two weeks of action in comparison to this same time last year. He expects to continue his protagonist role and is thrilled about the responsibility and participation that his team has trusted him with. Fabricio spoke with NBA.com about his current status in the league.
How has it felt to be a starter during the first two games of the season?
What’s important is that I’ve had more responsibilities and increased participation. I have had the opportunity to add more game minutes, which has enabled me to gain confidence on the court with the team’s structure and my teammates.
After spending a very competitive summer with the Argentine National Team, how do you feel physically to play 82 regular season games?
I always try to take care of myself to be in the best physical shape possible. There are a lot of players that also played in the World Championship and are now playing in the league. In fact, some of them play more minutes than I do, so my situation is not exclusive or different. That’s why I have to work hard every day to stay in shape and keep my mind focused on the game.
Do you feel like you benefited from Nazr Mohammed’s exit from the team? Do you feel like you’re being challenged to replace him?
I think we lost an important player, and we’ve gotten new players since then, so I’m just happy to have the opportunity to increase my participation with the team in the hopes that it’s for the team’s success.
After your first season playing in the NBA, do you feel you’re at 100 percent with the team’s playing structure/system?
Well I’m improving every day. While you can’t memorize every single offensive and defensive play, I think that you have to always try to improve and not conform to what you already. Instead, you should try to look for better ways to do things.
What is your relationship with Tim Duncan like?
Very good, both on and off the court, and we’re getting to know each other better each day. I think that at every training session you begin to better understand where you should be to become more efficient and where your teammates are. This is essential.
Las year you could’ve made it to the finals again. How did you face the team’s elimination against Dallas in the 2005-06 season?
Without a doubt you always try to get as far as possible, especially considering the fact that we were the defending champions last year. But things didn’t work out, that’s why this year, there’s an even bigger motivation to capture the title. We’re working hard to make it all the way.
In the NBA.com General Manager survey, the Spurs were selected as the favorite team to win this year’s Championship. How much pressure does this place on the team?
I think that you pressure yourself, but to be honest, there are plenty of other teams that have the opportunity to win the title and that one way or another have benefited from player trade during the summer.
Do you follow your fellow Argentines in the league - Nocioni, Delfino and Hermann?
Of course, every time I have the opportunity I follow them. I try to watch their games when we don’t play that night. I always wish them the best and hope that they’ll do very well, except when they play against us.
Do you think that you’re party of an unmatched generated of Argentina players?
No, but the truth is that I think we’ve accomplished important milestones for basketball in our country. In the last three tournaments we’ve placed among the best four in the world, two finals, and that’s definitely important. But the most difficult part is maintaining that level and what’s to come. The new players have to work hard to continue that level and keep basketball in Argentina in the best position.
Is Manu still an important support system for you on and off the court?
I think that he’s a good friend and a special player for this team. He’s still a great help to me, he’s always giving me advice whenever he can.
What do you think about the new NBA game basketball?
I think that it’s good. When I was in Europe we were often changing balls. I think this ball has a different grip, but a very comfortable feel.
By: Mauricio Mendoza
Fabricio Oberto is now part of the starting lineup for the San Antonio Spurs. He has slowly gained his coach’s and teammate’s trust and in only six games, he’s broken a franchise record shooting 11 of 11 from the field in the team’s victory against the Suns last week.
His numbers and game minutes have tripled during this season’s first two weeks of action in comparison to this same time last year. He expects to continue his protagonist role and is thrilled about the responsibility and participation that his team has trusted him with. Fabricio spoke with NBA.com about his current status in the league.
How has it felt to be a starter during the first two games of the season?
What’s important is that I’ve had more responsibilities and increased participation. I have had the opportunity to add more game minutes, which has enabled me to gain confidence on the court with the team’s structure and my teammates.
After spending a very competitive summer with the Argentine National Team, how do you feel physically to play 82 regular season games?
I always try to take care of myself to be in the best physical shape possible. There are a lot of players that also played in the World Championship and are now playing in the league. In fact, some of them play more minutes than I do, so my situation is not exclusive or different. That’s why I have to work hard every day to stay in shape and keep my mind focused on the game.
Do you feel like you benefited from Nazr Mohammed’s exit from the team? Do you feel like you’re being challenged to replace him?
I think we lost an important player, and we’ve gotten new players since then, so I’m just happy to have the opportunity to increase my participation with the team in the hopes that it’s for the team’s success.
After your first season playing in the NBA, do you feel you’re at 100 percent with the team’s playing structure/system?
Well I’m improving every day. While you can’t memorize every single offensive and defensive play, I think that you have to always try to improve and not conform to what you already. Instead, you should try to look for better ways to do things.
What is your relationship with Tim Duncan like?
Very good, both on and off the court, and we’re getting to know each other better each day. I think that at every training session you begin to better understand where you should be to become more efficient and where your teammates are. This is essential.
Las year you could’ve made it to the finals again. How did you face the team’s elimination against Dallas in the 2005-06 season?
Without a doubt you always try to get as far as possible, especially considering the fact that we were the defending champions last year. But things didn’t work out, that’s why this year, there’s an even bigger motivation to capture the title. We’re working hard to make it all the way.
In the NBA.com General Manager survey, the Spurs were selected as the favorite team to win this year’s Championship. How much pressure does this place on the team?
I think that you pressure yourself, but to be honest, there are plenty of other teams that have the opportunity to win the title and that one way or another have benefited from player trade during the summer.
Do you follow your fellow Argentines in the league - Nocioni, Delfino and Hermann?
Of course, every time I have the opportunity I follow them. I try to watch their games when we don’t play that night. I always wish them the best and hope that they’ll do very well, except when they play against us.
Do you think that you’re party of an unmatched generated of Argentina players?
No, but the truth is that I think we’ve accomplished important milestones for basketball in our country. In the last three tournaments we’ve placed among the best four in the world, two finals, and that’s definitely important. But the most difficult part is maintaining that level and what’s to come. The new players have to work hard to continue that level and keep basketball in Argentina in the best position.
Is Manu still an important support system for you on and off the court?
I think that he’s a good friend and a special player for this team. He’s still a great help to me, he’s always giving me advice whenever he can.
What do you think about the new NBA game basketball?
I think that it’s good. When I was in Europe we were often changing balls. I think this ball has a different grip, but a very comfortable feel.