BARQUISIMETO (FIBA World Basketball Cup 2019) - The excellent results achieved by Venezuela in recent years have generated great hopes for the team during the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 Americas Qualifiers.

Point guard Heissler Guillent, a prominent figure in the team in recent years, expressed his enthusiasm about the beginning of the new era in international basketball.

"Each country will be able to see their national team play official matches in their country," said Guillent. "That's important, because it will generate the fans' interest and help spread basketball.

"Obviously, it's something new for us. We should wait and see how we can work to this new system, especially when players are playing in different countries. We must adapt and see how we will make the preparations for the games. However, I think it's something to test."

The FIBA AmeriCup 2015 champions were selected to Group B of the Americas Qualifiers, along with Chile, Colombia and a team that has not been confirmed for the qualifying campaign to the 32-team world-event.

"I feel that it is the opportunity to qualify and it is very motivating for the different teams," said the point guard. "In 2013, regrettably, we couldn't qualify for the World Cup in Spain. We were very close to entering among the best four teams of the Americas.

"Now we have more concrete chances and we must make the maximum effort to reach China 2019. It will not be easy, but with hard work and commitment I know that Venezuela can do it," Guillent concluded.

The Venezuelans will begin their qualifying campaign against Colombia on November 24.

Prior to the start of the qualifying window in November, the Venezuelans will defend their continental title at the FIBA AmeriCup 2017. "Che" García's team will travel to Bahía Blanca, Argentina to be part of Group B alongside the Virgin Islands, Argentina and Canada, from August 27-29. The best team of the group will advance to the Final Phase of the continental competition.

FIBA