SANTO DOMINGO (Dominican Republic) – The Dominican Republic will have a new coach when the team faces Jordan at their FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 debut, following the hiring of Nestor “Che” Garcia as the new Head Coach.

In his resume, the Argentine has stints as Head Coach of Uruguay, Argentina and led Venezuela in a historic run to the continental championship during the FIBA AmeriCup 2015, two South American Championships in 2014 and 2016, and a qualification to the Rio de Janeiro 2016 Olympic Games. 

The experience of 'Che' García also includes jobs as coach in the professional leagues of Puerto Rico, Argentina, Saudi Arabia, Venezuela, Uruguay, Mexico and Spain, where he directed Montakit Fuenlabrada.

"We understand that Garcia is the man to lead us on the next level. His knowledge of the game, ability to motivate and get the best out of his players are the things that have motivated us to make this decision," said Rafael Uribe, president of the Dominican Republic National Federation to El Dia.

"Melvyn (Lopez) did an extraordinary job in the qualifying windows. He had to deal with different teams, and still achieved the goal. We are very grateful for him and I know he will also be very helpful for us at this stage," added Uribe.

Lopez, who successfully led the qualification campaign of the Dominican Republic during the Qualifiers, will be part of Garcia’s coaching staff.

The Dominicans will begin the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 in the Chinese city of Shenzhen as part of Group G along with France, Germany and Jordan.

The Caribbean squad will begin the premier international competition against Jordan on August 31. The Dominicans will then face Germany on September 2 and against France on September 4.

FIBA