Marcelo HUERTAS (BRA)
20/07/2006
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BRA - Marcelinho confident of being big in Japan

::WIN a trip to the FIBA World Championship Finals weekend ::

SAO PAULO (FIBA World Championship) - Brazil guard Marcelinho Huertas believes the Verdeamarelos can cause a few upsets at the FIBA World Championship.

Brazil face a big challenge, having been drawn in the toughest group of all - Group C - against Greece, Lithuania, Turkey, Australia and Qatar, but Marcelinho is not worried about the opposition.

"With confidence, collective spirit, and consistency, we can surprise," the Joventut Badalona guard told the Brazilian Basketball Confederation`s official website.

"We have an excellent squad, and players who play in the best leagues in the world," he added.

"In my opinion, the teams who reach a World Championship expect to be champions. It`s true that it`s difficult, but we have to think about the best possible result.

"We know this is a tough group to get out of, but we have a chance to qualify for the second stage. European teams are the strongest and have great traditions, while Australia can be dangerous because they have good players.

"In the World Championship, we cannot underestimate any rivals. We need to play consistently to achieve our goals."

In the last two years, Marcelinho has turned from a prospect into a real talent for Brazil.

The 23-year-old made his international debut in 2004, and has already collected a South American Championship title and a FIBA Americas Championship title.

PA Sport