SAO PAULO (Brazil) - São Paulo is one of the teams that had the best preparations for the NBB and for becoming a protagonist of the Basketball Champions League Americas. The team, led by Cláudio Mortari, was able to keep most of last season's players and it added important reinforcements so as to stand out in both competitions.

"For us it's very satisfying to be able to participate in this international competition. The BCLA is the continent's most important tournament. We'll have our first international experience and that's very positive. We're very happy and we hope we can rise to the challenge," said coach Cláudio Mortari.

Sao Paulo's team project is based on the experience of its coach, Cláudio Mortari, and on its star, young point guard Georginho de Paula. The others who also remained at the club are Shamell, Jefferson, Renan Lenz, Danilo Penteado and Igor; and the reinforcements are pivots Lucas Mariano and Gerson, forward Corderro Bennett and point guard Kenny Dawkins.

"Morumbí's Tricolor," which will participate in an international tournament for the first time after finishing third in the NBB's last season, is in Group B, together with Quimsa, the last champion, and Universidad de Concepción.

FIBA