RIO DE JANEIRO (2009 FIBA Americas Championship) – Phoenix Suns guard, Leandrinho Barbosa, visited the office of the Brazilian Basketball Confederation (CBB). CBB president, Carlos Nunes, received the Brazilian star along with national team coach, Moncho Monsalve and other authorities.

In the meeting Leandrinho confirmed his commitment to defend Brazil in the 2009 FIBA Americas Championship.
The tournament qualifies the best four teams for the 2010 FIBA World Championship in Turkey.

"I took the opportunity in front of the technical commission to confirm my will to always represent Brazil and I will be in the FIBA Americas Championship. With a complete team Brazil is one of the best national teams in the World. We have excellent players in our country, Europe and the United States," said Leandrinho in his visit.

"We are happy by this visit. The CBB is the house of basketball and the visit by Leandrinho is very important so everyone can understand the new philosophy. I am confident that all the players called will be there to guarantee Brazil a spot in the 2010 FIBA World Championship," said CBB president Carlos Nunes.

Leandrinho played 70 games in this NBA season for the Suns where he averaged 14.2 points, 2.6 rebounds and 2.3 assists.

Head coach Moncho Monsalve was happy to talk to Leandrinho again. Monsalve visited the player during the NBA season where he committed to the Brazilian team this summer.

"It was a wonderful conversation where Leandrinho maintained his commitment with the national team with a lot of joy. That shows his great will to defend Brazil," said Monsalve.

FIBA Americas