MONTEVIDEO (FIBA AmeriCup 2017) - Dominican Republic lost against Uruguay, 66-57, at Group C's tip off in the FIBA AmeriCup 2017 that’s taking place in Montevideo. Amid a rebuilding process and the integration of new values that now conform this Caribbean team, their chances of reaching the Final Four are now very slim.

Part of the challenges for Melvin López’s players lie in getting the farthest they can in this new continental competition; but also in giving millage and malleability to the athletes that are moving forward after their Centrobasket bronze medal.

To achieve his goal, the Coach clearly needs partners inside and outside the court. His roster includes veteran player Edward Santana, who’s always active in the court and who reflected on their defeat against the Uruguayans: “For 30 minutes we played a very strong game in the defense, but near the end we didn’t know how to finish and they —who are the local team— didn't miss the chance. They’re a very physical team and they at a certain moment they were sure to demonstrate it.”

Despite the frustration of losing, Santana took some time to talk about something different than the game: the reality of a national team that see the 36-year old as a point of reference —but who plays as if he’s a decade younger. “They're very young guys but they're disposition to learn is incredible. Now I must enjoy what’s left —whether it’s a little or a lot— for me to give. Being in your country's national team is beautiful. Today we were missing some maturity, but we learn from all of that,” said the veteran, who achieved a total of 15 points and 6 rebounds in the 35 minutes of action against Uruguay.

Santana, as if this were his second youth, continued to talk about the group and how they strive to be better each day: “With them, the day-to-day is really good. We're honest and we all want to learn. They talk to me, they consult me, but I also learn from them. Out of the court we're also a great group and that's also important.”

If we had to compare basketball and music —with a last name like Santana’s (and with Mr. Carlos’ leniency) that naturally leads the comparison— one might well say that Edward’s forever young spirit keeps demonstrating that in the court he continues to be in tune, executing a tremendous melody in each one of his games.

FIBA