SAN JUAN (FIBA AmeriCup 2017) - Puerto Rico coach Eddie Casiano has revealed an extensive list of players that could be involved with Puerto Rico this summer as they head into the FIBA AmeriCup 2017.

A former national team star who led the Boricuas for the first time last summer, Casiano has included Carlos Arroyo despite the point guard's retirement from the Puerto Rico side after their 2016 FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament (OQT) campaign.

Casiano may end up asking Arroyo to play for Puerto Rico again 

In an interview with Primerahora.com, Casiano, who also has one eye on the FIBA Basketball World Cup qualifying campaign that tips off in November, revealed 25 players that are potential national team players this year and also admitted the list could more than twice as big.

"We have a broad recruitment," he said. "We're able to make a list of 50 players to consider, but we're not going to limit it to that number. We are adding and we won't exclude anyone because throughout the year a player can explode (onto the scene) or get injured.

"And the truth is that the new classification system of FIBA for the World Cup compels us to have a wide bank of resources."

One player not in the squad for the FIBA AmeriCup is Jose Barea. The Dallas Mavericks playmaker is taking this summer off from national team duty. Others that retired last summer that are not included are big men Peter John Ramos and Renaldo Balkman.

The reason why Arroyo has been included is that Casiano admits he may need to ask him to come out of retirement if other guards aren't available.

"Like in November and February (World Cup qualifying windows) we won't be able to count on (Jose) Barea because he will be active in the NBA," Casiano said. "If things are complicated, I would not rule out trying to bring Arroyo back."

Arroyo's most high-profile summer with the national team occurred at one of the most competitive Olympics in the modern era, the Athens Games 13 years ago. He led Puerto Rico, with Casiano as a teammate, in a major upset of the United States on the opening day of the tournament. The Boricuas ended up reaching the Quarter-Finals.

Casiano also stressed the need to incorporate up-and-coming players.

"We want to give the opportunity to the youngsters," he said. "But if I'm short and need someone, I would undoubtedly call Carlos. Until I get someone better than him, I won't rule him out."

Tyler Davis, who has a couple of impressive years at Texas A&M in American college basketball under his belt, is in the squad and figures to be an important member of the side moving forward.

"It's important to bring him in to add to our cast of big men - Jorge Bryan Lopez, Matt Lopez, Yao Lopez and Ramon Clemente," Casiano said.

The FIBA AmeriCup tips off on 25 August and will be staged in Argentina, Colombia and Uruguay. Puerto Rico will play in Group A against the Colombians, Mexico and a team still to be confirmed.

FIBA