Despite hamstring problem, Spain basketball star confident

Serge Ibaka

Madrid, Aug 31 (IANS)

Spanish basketball star Serge Ibaka Sunday insisted he is only suffering from a minor physical problem despite missing out on his side's impressive start to the FIBA World Cup.

Ibaka had been one of Spain's standout players in the buildup to the competition forming a devastating partnership with Pau Gasol under the hoops of their rivals, reports Xinhua.

However, while Gasol tore an Iranian defence to shreds, scoring 30 points in Spain's 90-60 opening day win, Ibaka was forced to watch from the sidelines nursing a muscle injury to his right hamstring.

Felipe Reyes also missed out on Spain debut but should return for what promises to be their toughest game of the group stage, when the Spanish take on Brazil Monday, while Ibaka, although optimistic about his injury, was more cautious about when he would return.

"I have a few problems and I didn't play as a precaution, but we have to keep calm, because I feel good," the power forward was quoted as saying by Diario Marca.

Ibaka admitted that on the opening day his teammates had not missed him.

"Spain looked good, we played a good game and it was a good debut. It was important to start with a positive feeling," he said, before admitting he had not been surprised by the Gasol masterclass.

"Pau is Pau," commented Ibaka.