Fuente: © FIBA (Federación Internacional de Basket)
http://www.fiba.org/

FIBA: ESP - Azofra defends under-fire Jimenez

/noticias.info/ MADRID (Liga ACB) - Veteran Adecco Estudiantes point guard Nacho Azofra has stood by under-fire team-mate Carlos Jimenez.

Jimenez has been under pressure all summer since he made it clear he wanted to move across town to Real Madrid.

That move has so far failed to materialise and Jimenez has refused other offers which, according to the club, are more lucrative than that made by Madrid.

As a result Jimenez has been targeted for criticism by the Estudiantes fans, angry at the prospect of the Spain international following Felipe Reyes to their bitter local rivals.

Jimenez's form has suffered at the start of the season to such an extent coach Juan Antonio Orenga left him out of the side that was destroyed 100-66 by Barcelona at the weekend.

However, 36-year-old Azofra, who has spent his 17-year career with Estudiantes, insists Jimenez is doing nothing wrong.

"I can assure everyone that Jimenez is giving his best and not trying to cheat anyone," said Azofra in AS.

"He always gives everything he has, whether it is in training or in a match."

Estudiantes have had their worst-ever start to an ACB season with three straight defeats, and Azofra believes some people are unfairly looking at Jimenez as the cause.

"Things have not begun well and people are looking more at what Jimenez is doing or not doing," added Azofra.
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