HAIFA (FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 Americas Qualifiers) - Angel Rodriguez helped Puerto Rico to a split in their first FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 Americas Qualifiers. The games meant something more to the guard, who saw them as a chance to give some joy to his compatriots back home dealing with the aftermath of the devastating hurricane earlier this year.

Puerto Rico is still trying to recover from Hurricane Maria that rocked the island in September. As a result of the lingering damage, the Qualifier against the United States was moved to Orlando, Florida. But the message from the Puerto Rican team, which lost 85-78, was clear.

"It was about bringing some joy to Puerto Rico overall after the dark time the hurricane left in the island," said Rodriguez, who had 13 points, eight assists and two steals versus the United States.

Even though the game wasn't in Puerto Rico, Rodriguez was very happy with the support of the crowd.

"The atmosphere was great and the energy of the building was sensational. Everybody who came to the game definitely brought us that home court feeling, everybody was wearing our colors and even playing instruments."

Rodriguez, who is playing for the second time for the Puerto Rican senior national team, is anxious to finally play in front of his home fans.

"I can't wait until we actually bring a game to Puerto Rico because it will be absolutely nuts," he said. "Every veteran on the team has told me so many great things about playing for Puerto Rico in Puerto Rico. Plus, fans always show up and bring an unreal amount of positivity and energy that we feed off of. I definitely can't wait to witness it as a player."

Rodriguez and the rest of the Puerto Rican team will have to wait for another chance to play at home since the country's other two home Qualifiers will take place in the third window in June and July 2018 against Cuba and Mexico.

Before that, Puerto Rico, who beat Cuba 95-72 in their second Qualifier, will face two road contests in the next window - at Mexico on February 23 and at the United States on February 26.

"We are definitely looking to steal one on the road against the United States and split with them since they beat us at home," said Rodriguez who picked up nine points and two assists in 18 minutes in the victory over Cuba. "As far as Mexico, there's always a rivalry between us in all sports, not just boxing. So it's going to be a fun, physical game on the road."

Puerto Rico have played in the last eight FIBA Basketball World Cups. And Rodriguez admitted he and his teammates have some pressure to make it nine in a row.

"Any time you represent your country there is pressure. For us, the goal is not only to make it to the World Cup but to be in the top 10 in the world like we once were," said the guard of the team currently 14th in the FIBA World Ranking Men, Presented by Nike. "But it's obviously not going to happen over night."

But Rodriguez will likely play a big role in Puerto Rico's future. He made his senior team debut at FIBA AmeriCup 2017 and had six points in his first game against Mexico but had built up his game to 23 points against Brazil in Puerto Rico's final contest.

"I was trying to get a feel for how things work because it's totally a different game. You aren't playing for any club, you aren't playing for money, you aren't playing because you love basketball, you are simply playing to represent your country with dignity," said Rodriguez, who is playing professionally for Israeli club Maccabi Haifa. "Now that I have a couple of games under my belt, it's safe to say I'm very comfortable because the guys on the team and the coaches make it very obvious how much they trust me and how much it’s expected of me."

Rodriguez is also expected to take an increased responsibility of the Puerto Rico team. And he accepts that.

"I have a lot of responsibility on the national team because first, I'm the point guard; second I have to fill in some big shoes but I'm comfortable and very confident in my abilities. So things will only get better for me and for the team," he said.

The shoes Rodriguez is filling are those of Carlos Arroyo, who retired from the national team after playing in the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament 2016 - ending an international career that started with the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2002.

"My role model was and is Carlos Arroyo," said Rodriguez. "He's an unbelievable player and leader and always represented Puerto Rico at a very very high level and his legacy will forever live in Puerto Rico."

After nearly a decade and half of getting joy and happiness from Arroyo, it's up to Rodriguez and Co to continue that - even in some still dark times.

FIBA