AmeriCup is the showcase for the continent's new talents

MEDELLIN (FIBA AmeriCup 2017) - The new qualifying format for the upcoming 2019 FIBA Basketball World Cup is causing that participant nations in the AmeriCup decide to give the opportunity to new talents that could most probably be the headliners for future national teams.

At the three sites in the Group Phase —Medellin, Montevideo and Bahia Blanca— there will be many new additions, which will surely become usual contenders once the FIBA windows begin on November.

Regarding the group that will play in Colombian territory, three former continental champions present a roster with new players, some of which are stepping into the international stage for the first time.

A dramatic example of this is Puerto Rico, who come with a totally renewed squad. Although they do have members that have played internationally, the reality is that they have not been of importance to the Caribbean team. Now, they have the chance to shine.

“It’s very significant to be here because we want to qualify for the Pan American Games (Lima 2019) and we want to use this tournament to see how we're doing in the pool of prospect youngsters that we're considering for the future,” said Eddie Casiano, coach for Puerto Rico.

“It's important to do a good job. Not only are we competing, we're trying to win the tournament just like the rest of the teams,” the former shooting guard said. The Puerto Rican National Team hasn’t won a title at this level since 1995.

Six players will make their official debut for the Boricuas. Standing out among them are 20-year old Center Tyler Davis, as well as 22-year old Forward Juan Ramón Rivas, the son of former National Team Center, Ramón Rivas.

Meanwhile, Mexico —although they have veteran players such as Jorge Gutiérrez, Lorenzo Mata, Francisco Cruz and Héctor Hernández— have a coach that is taking advantage of this tournament to try out new talents out of a not-so-varied pool.

“We don’t have many talents. I only have a list of 20 to 25 players; nothing else. We're happy because we've incorporated four players that will play in the present and in the future,” said Sergio Valdeolmillos, the Spanish coach who’s in charge of Mexico since 2011.

The Iberian coach pointed out the presence of Point Guard Alex Pérez (24 and playing professionally in Lithuania), Forward Irwin Ávalos (26, but with no previous national team experience), Center Fernando Benítez (28 and played in the Continental Champions of 2013), as well as the young 18-year old Point Guard Diego Willis.

For their part, Brazil are presenting a squad with 10 players that originate from their local team. Only Bruno Caboclo (Toronto) and Georginho de Paula (Houston) will look for spots at the next NBA season.

“It's a different moment. This is the beginning of a new Olympic cycle in which we must use new players for the national team. It's important so that they adapt to the international game,” said César Gudetti, coach of the four-time continental champion Verdeamarela.  

Finally, Colombia, who have interesting players, such as Juan Tello, who has experience playing in Europe; Hanner Mosquera, who played college basketball in the United States; and Veteran Stalin Ortiz.

The Colombians have no previous experience in continental tournaments; this is the team's first tournament of this level in its history. AmeriCup is key for Colombia. First, it promotes their country's basketball; and second, it prepares them for the FIBA Olympic Qualifiers that begin in November.

“It's important to play here. It's not the same to play abroad than to play at home. We're a proud country. We have to take advantage of this experience and hope that it gives us the strength to keep moving up,” said Tello, who will play in the Lithuanian League next season.

“We're not here for the cameras. We also play. We've worked very hard. We're positive that we’ll surprise one way or another,” the 32-year old veteran assured.

FIBA