CORDOBA (FIBA AmeriCup 2017) – Some called it a surprise, others expected greatness, but the Virgin Islands delivered with a qualification to the FIBA AmeriCup 2017 Semi-Finals that will take place this weekend in the Orfeo Superdome in the Argentine city of Cordoba, right after competing in Group B in Bahia Blanca. The Caribbean team will square off against United States in the first Semi-Final of the continental competition.

On few occasions has a team with only one victory in a qualifying phase achieved their pass to the Semi-Finals. That was the story of the Caribbean squad, who have in their ranks Puerto Rican player Walter Hodge as their captain. “Our team defends very well, although we only played two friendlies before the AmeriCup. That was our key: defending and rebounds.

Argentina —without the pressure to qualify — played as though they had to win their pass into the Group Phase. Their impressive character was portrayed in this new generation of players, especially in the game against Canada; while the Caribbean players coincidentally did so against the same rival in the debut, where they magnified their game and showed what they were able to do, surprising everyone and later leaving the Osvaldo Casanova with a standing ovation from the public.

Without a doubt, the Caribbean team’s best asset has been Puerto Rican center Walter Hodge, who's been the team’s most effective player with an average of 18 points per game. He ended up leading with 18.7 and 5.7 in assists. Hodge, a two-times NCAA champion (2006, 2007) with Florida, scored 25 points and 8 assists in their victory against Canada; a surprise that helped the Virgin Islands (59th in the FIBA ranking) to be among the best 4 teams this weekend.

Under Sam Mitchell's direction, Virgin Islands arrive at the Final Four with a roster full of players from US colleges and the NCAA; and where former Spanish ACB League’s Victor Cuthbert also plays. He ended the Group Phase as the leader in rebounds, with 6.0, and second in points, with 17.5.

FIBA