ESP - Cebrian pays tribute to record breaking Valdemoro
LILLE (EuroBasket Women/FIBA World Championship for Women) – When the legendary Amaya Valdemoro became the most capped player for her nation, one of the first to send her congratulations was Elisabeth Cebrian.
The former national team center, who used to both play with Valdemoro and then also helped oversee matters in her capacity as ex-Director of national team affairs, has 252 appearances to her name.
She is only followed by Marina Ferragut with 253 and of course now Valdemoro, who lined-up for Spain for outing number 254 against Montenegro.
"Amaya is crazy in love with the game of basketball" explained Cebrian as she pondered a historical moment for Spanish basketball.
"She just wants to be on the court and to play - that´s what she likes above all else.
"She loves the game with all her heart, soul and mind - she still has the same passion as she had when she was 15 years old.
"Only with this competitive mentality, is possible to keep playing at high level so long."
Cebrian also took time to underline that behind the medals and smiles we often see at games or tournaments, Valdemoro has had to overcome several challenges, all of which make her record and dedication all the more impressive.
"She has had a lot of injuries and had to deal with losing her mum, but basketball gave her exactly what she needed - the energy to fight and never give up" said Cebrian.
"Other players would have ended their career for many years, but she is a tremendous competitive woman and she always wanted to finish at a very high level on the court and maybe even on top of the podium.
"That would be the best gift that basketball could give her."
Spain finish their Round 2 campaign in Lille against Turkey, who are also unbeaten and both teams are expected to push forcefully for medals.
Spain also have their focus fixed on qualification for the FIBA 2014 World Championship for Women next year, which takes place in Turkey.
