MURCIA (FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 Americas Qualifiers) - Sadiel Rojas has been a leading force for the Dominican Republic as they secured a place in the Second Round of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 Americas Qualifiers after the first two windows. 

The 6ft 4in (1.93) small forward made his presence felt at both ends of the floor in the team's four wins - in as many games - to date. Part of this recipe for success has been Rojas knowing exactly where his focus lies.

"My role for this team is to lead the defense, bring the intensity and be selfless. I feel I've been very consistent in my role during the Qualifiers so far," Rojas, who has averaged 11.8 points, 7.0 rebounds and 2.3 steals per game through the November 2017 and February 2018 windows, pointed out.

"The most important thing for us is to keep enjoying this journey and to keep building more chemistry while we are actively adding new players to our team."

“TO PLAY AT HOME IN FRONT OF OUR PEOPLE, OUR FAMILY AND OUR FRIENDS ADD EVEN MORE DESIRE IN OUR HEARTS TO DOMINATE THE OPPONENTS WHILE REPRESENTING OUR COUNTRY " RojasRojas

While the team is already assured of moving on past the First Round, Sadiel won't allow any letup in the team's approach for the games in the third window.

Melvin Lopez's side will face Canada on June 29 in the Ricoh Coliseum of Toronto, before hosting Bahamas on July 2.

The Dominicans got the better of the Canadians, 88-76, last November.

However, Sadiel is the first to warn that the upcoming game can and will be different.

"Canada might play with some of the NBA players from their extended roster, which will benefit them in a major way. The outcome of this game will be decided by our defense and ability to control rebounds. The game will be very intense and exciting," said the 28-year-old.

"I LOVE THE HOME AND AWAY FORMAT THROUGHOUT THE YEAR IN THE FIBA BASKETBALL WORLD CUP QUALIFIERS. IT ALLOWS US TO BUILD BETTER RELATIONSHIPS AND MORE CHEMISTRY WITHIN THE TEAM" RojasRojas

Sadiel relishes the prospect of the team finishing its First Round campaign on home soil.

"To play at home in front of our people, our family and our friends adds even more desire in our hearts to dominate the opponents while representing our country," he explained. 

Asked what he likes about the Qualifiers' competition system, he is quick to answer.

"I love the home and away format throughout the year in the FIBA Basketball World Cup Qualifiers. It allowed us to build better relationships and more chemistry within the team," he said.

"It's an honor for me every time I step on the court. I make sure to give all my heart and sacrifice my body to defend the flag of the Dominican Republic."

FIBA