SANTO DOMINGO (FIBA AmeriCup 2017) - Another summer of international basketball means another chance for the Dominican Republic to develop its national team program.

At the FIBA AmeriCup 2017, the Caribbean outfit will square off against the USA, Panama and hosts Uruguay in Group C. The games will be held in Montevideo August 28-30.

The Dominican Republic shot to prominence several years ago and even made an appearance at the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2014 in Spain where they reached the Round of 16.

Coach Melvyn Lopez, who led the team at the Centrobasket last year in Panama and steered it to a third-place finish, will have a few important aims in Uruguay.

Lopez guided the Dominicans to a podium finish at the Centrobasket

While the tournament will serve as a qualifying event for the 2019 Pan American Game, Lopez knows that a good performance will be needed to enhance the Dominicans' image.

"We have the hope of forming a solid team that is capable of fighting for a spot on the podium," he said to 7dias.com.do.

He'll also be looking to give younger players important experience.

"For the development of our young players, this tournament will be very important," he said. "It will  allow them to continue getting experience and developing into true representatives of our national team."

FIBA