MONTEVIDEO (FIBA AmeriCup 2017) - Montevideo’s journey as a FIBA AmeriCup 2017 host city came to an end and it’s time to put everything in perspective; not only thinking about what happened, but about what’s yet to come, which will not be of little significance for Uruguay.

Ricardo Vairo, President of the Uruguayan Basketball Federation (FUBB), reflected on the experiences lived throughout these three days: “There’s an overall positive balance in the organization. The Federation’s Team together with the National Sports Agency worked very well and things went according to FIBA bylaws. Everything has to do with the sport and I’m very pleased with the work that has been done. The National Team is taking shape and is coming together. The game against the United States was a learning experience even though we were defeated. Another good aspect for the future is the chemistry that developed between the fans and the players. That’s an important fact to consider for the playoffs.”

Precisely this organization served as a test ride for the upcoming new qualifying system: “This first playoff elimination round is very important if we want to be 6th or 7th place for the 2019 FIBA Basketball World Cup. That is why this helps so much, so we can be well prepared. This was an important experience for all of us. We must carry on and improve that plan, because it’ll become something very common within this new structure that I fully welcome.”

Uruguay, jointly with Argentina, officially presented their candidacy to host the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup. “We’re very excited with the possibility. The whole proposal was already sent to Switzerland (home of FIBA headquarters). We’ve done a really great job along with Argentina. Honestly, we’re really hoping to be the hosts. This is something that the youth are going to enjoy 6 years from now. It’s a dream to have a World Cup at home.”

FIBA