WASHINGTON (NBA/FIBA Basketball World Cup 2014) - The USA and Spain have dominated world basketball for almost a decade now, combining to win the major international competitions since 2006.

Alongside these two powerhouses, other national teams - including the likes of Brazil - have made huge strides to be competitive and recognised among the world's top teams.

Following in the footsteps of the legendary Oscar Schmidt, a multitude of talents - from Phoenix Suns veteran Leandro Barbosa to Regal FC Barcelona playmaker Marcelinho Huertas and Washington Wizards big man Nene - have been establishing themselves in the best leagues and helping Brazil's national team achieve good results in recent years.

Nene, 31, is one of these determined players eager to keep Brazil among world basketball's elite.

With the FIBA Basketball World Cup just over 100 days away, the Brazilian veteran talked with passion about his pride to play for his national team which will open its Spain 2014 campaign in Granada's Group A against France, Serbia, Spain, Egypt and Iran.

"I love to represent my country. I am getting older and I had a lot of injuries, but I have always been very motivated to help Brazil compete against the best teams of the world," Nene told FIBA.com.

Brazil head coach Ruben Magnano spent a few days in the US last month, visiting the Brazilian contingent of players in the NBA. He hopes to have the Sao Carlos native in his final roster for Spain 2014, which would enable the team to feature a impressive frontcourt trio with Tiago Splitter of the San Antonio Spurs and Anderson Varejao of the Cleveland Cavaliers.

While Brazil's team announcement for FIBA's flagship event is still some time away, Nene is certain of one thing: his international career is very important and he wants to wear the Auriverde (gold and green) jersey for the coming competitions.

His availability for the national team has often been affected by injuries.

Ruled out of the 2013 FIBA Americas Championship due to a foot injury, Nene has taken part in only four senior national team competitions since his debut at the 2003 Panamerican Olympic Qualifying Tournament.

After finishing a disappointing ninth at last year's continental tournament in Venezuela, Brazil received a wild card to compete in Spain this summer.

"The team lost a lot of games last year and had a disappointing campaign in Venezuela, but we need to look forward now," Nene admitted.

"We have been experiencing great results in the last few years, including an incredible fifth-place at the London Olympics. There are a lot of talented players and the staff has been doing a great job so far.

"Brazil's basketball team is among the best in the world now and we would like to win medals in the next competitions."

Nene is excited at the prospect of playing for the national team at the 2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup and future competitions.

"I was sidelined for almost two months this season and hope I will stay healthy for a long time now. If I am in shape and not bothered by injuries, I would like to play in every competition with Brazil until I retire from international duties," he stated.

Seen as one of the most solid teams of Group A, Brazil has the potential to reach the Final Phase and even battle for a medal.

"The group is tough, and we are afraid of nobody. Every game will be a battle and we would like to go far in the competition. Brazil is going to be a very competitive team," he said.

For the time being though, Nene is focused on having a great playoff campaign with the Wizards, who are playing against the top-seeded Indiana Pacers for a spot in the Eastern Conference finals.

After recovering from his knee injury, he has demonstrated that he is one of the most skilled big men in the league and a leader on that inexperienced team.

"I am just doing my best to help my team win games and do well in the playoffs," he explained.

"I am a veteran, so my role is also to give advice to the youngest players of the team.

"Our playoffs are going well, but we can't get too enthusiastic. We need to stay focused and keep working hard as we would like to go far in the playoffs."

FIBA