Sean

Griz's chemistry starting off-court

By Ronald Tillery
tillery@gomemphis.com
October 14, 2003

When a waiter presented the check, Pau Gasol scooped it up with ease.

His idea.

His favorite place.

His money . . . well spent.

The Grizzlies' European trip ended last week in Barcelona with Gasol taking his teammates out for dinner and paying the tab.

This, they say, is just the beginning.

Judging by the consensus of those who know, these Grizzlies are establishing a bond that no other group has since the organization moved to Memphis. Coach Hubie Brown's constant lecturing about chemistry apparently has seeped off the court.

Gasol put a four-figure tab on his credit card that night, hoping for a priceless return.

"One of the biggest differences with teams in Europe and over here is the chemistry," Gasol said Monday after the Griz prepared for tonight's preseason game with the Washington Wizards. "We needed to get the group together. Everybody. No exceptions. We need to develop relationships other than what we have on the court. It's crucial for any team. When you're trying to get through tough situations, you trust each other."

The night began at 1:15 a.m. after the players finally returned to the hotel from the arena. When Gasol could have easily spent his last night at home with buddies or female company, he chose to feed friendship. The 7-footer arranged for vans and first-class restaurant service.

http://www.gomemphis.com/mca/grizzli...345478,00.html

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piri

If Pau can make all the team a group of friends. This roster could be NBA finalist in two years.

It could sound if I've smoke something, but I can see this here in Spain in every sport and levels. When a team is only a group of good players is a medium range team. When a team with similar ability is a group of friends, the team fight for titles.

A great example for those of you who knows about soccer is the Spanish national teams of soccer and basketball. In soccer we have one of the best national team player by player, but they don´t win any title since I can remember. In basketball we have good players, but they are all friends, and we won last summer the USA team, and the serbia & montenegro one. This year in European championship Spain obtain the silver medal.

Knicksbiggestfan

Looks like Hubie's influence is really rubbing off.

Say what you want about Jerry west not getting the Big man he promised, or as talented players as fans could have hoped for,
he brought in the best possible coach for these guys.

I predict big big things this year from Jwill and Pau.

Petey

Much like the Nets. Everyone says how good Kidd is and puts down Martin and Jefferson, but they are pals. They even offered to pay for Donny Marshall's contract out of their own pocket.

-Petey