BUENOS AIRES (DIRECTV Liga de las Americas) - Bucaneros de La Guaira’s second place at last year’s National League of Venezuela allowed the team to reappear in the international arena. This will be their second participation in the Liga de las Americas, after their debut in 2012, when they managed to reach the Semi-Final.

Despite repeating several of the main players, Bucaneros added a very valuable man in the nationalized forward Donta Smith, in addition to the power-forwards Jose Bravo and Tulio Cobos.

The Spanish coach, Luis Guil, analyzed the reality of the team and their rivals, before the team’s debut in Buenos Aires.

What are Bucaneros aspirations for the Liga de las Americas?
For Bucaneros to take part in the LDA is the award for the work that the organization has been doing for some time. The first thing we want is to compete every game and try to qualify for the Semi-Final Phase, always knowing that we have a very tough group.

What is the reality of the team for the tournament?
We have the player base from last season, which is fundamental, and we added reliable players, that can reach Argentina with a good level. The preparation was short, but we were able to advance a lot by repeating the majority of the players. We were also able to travel in advance to get accustomed to the climate and play some previous friendly.

Does having some experienced players like Cox, Centeno or Cedeño help in an international tournament in which the requirement is much greater?
It will be a key. They are the base of the team and the experience will be fundamental because they have already gone through similar experiences and know how to tackle a high level international tournament. We trust them a lot.

How do you evaluate the qualifying group with San Lorenzo (ARG), Capitanes de Arecibo (PUR) and Hebraica Macabi (URU)?
For me it is the strongest group. I suppose everyone thinks the same thing, but we will be facing the best team from South America right now, which is San Lorenzo, with an excellent coach, like Lamas, and a squad with two good players per position. And two teams, like Capitanes and Hebraica Macabi, who have dominated their national leagues. The Uruguayans have been together for a long time and are in full competition. In the case of Capitanes, they formed an incredible team, although they arrive without game rhythm, like us.

FIBA