Olympic Notes: Spain, Simmons, Nigeria, Turkey, Garland

Veterans center Pau Gasol, who has represented Spain in four Olympic tournaments so far, remains on track to be part of the Tokyo team, according to an Associated Press report. Gasol was one of 18 players to join Spain’s preliminary squad for the Tokyo Games, joining his brother – Lakers center Marc Gasol – and Timber wolves Point guard Ricky Rubio.

Timberwolves forward Juan Hernangomez, Pelicans big man Willy Hernangomez, and projected first-round pick Usman Garuba are among the other notable names in Spain’s preliminary roster, according to The Associated Press.

More about the Olympic Games in Tokyo:

  • Six All-star Ben Simmons Australia is not expected to play in the Olympics, ESPN’s Brian Windhorst tweeted. After a tough postseason, Simmons will spend the offseason focusing on skill development, including his jump shot.
  • No African team has ever won an Olympic medal – or even passed the preliminary round – in the men’s basketball tournament, according to Nigeria’s head coach Mike Brown wants to make history in Tokyo, writes Marc J. Spears of The Undefeated. According to ESPN’s Colin Udoh, Nuggets guard Monte Morris, Raptors Forward 1st floor Anunoby, piston tall man Jahlil Okafor, jazz Teammates Miye Oni and Udoka trainee, and heat Teammates Precious Achiuwa and Okpala concentration camp are among the new additions to Nigeria’s squad.
  • Turkey has announced its provisional squad for the upcoming Olympic qualifying tournament in Canada as the relay of Sportando. In addition to NBA players like Cedi Osman, Ersan Ilyasova, Furkan Korkmaz, and Omer Yurtseven, the roster contains a projected selection for the first round Alperen Sengun.
  • Cavaliers guard Darius garland will be part of the US selection team that will face the Olympic squad of Team USA ahead of the Tokyo Games, writes Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com. Cave center Jarrett Allen also received an invitation to join the Select team but has not yet made a decision, adds Fedor.

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