CARACAS (FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 Americas Qualifiers) – Looking ahead to important games against Canada and the Virgin Islands during the next window of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 Americas Qualifiers, the Head Coach of the Venezuelan National Team Fernando Duro announced the team’s preliminary list.

"We are committed to the country and the work that has been done, right now we are very close to achieving the goal. The main reason why I assumed this responsibility of directing the Venezuelan National Team was the challenge of qualifying for the World Cup," said Duro.

The Venezuelans hold a 7-1 record and the prospect of returning to the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 fuels the team.

"Reaching the FIBA Basketball World Cup qualification is a dream for everyone and having the opportunity to achieve it in our country is a plus. We are concerned that some players are currently not in active competition, but that will be counteracted with the time we have been playing together and the great unity that we have as a team,” said team captain Jose Vargas.

“We expect hard games, but I trust that the balance can be tipped in our favor based on a good defense," added the most experienced player of the national team.

During the 5th window of the Americas Qualifiers, the Venezuelans will host the Canadians at Parque Miranda of Caracas on November 30 and will then travel to St Thomas to face the Virgin Islands on December 3.

FIBA