LAS PALMAS (2010 FIBA World Championship) - Victor Claver is trying to take things step by step as he battles for a place in Spain's final 12-man roster for the FIBA World Championship.

This is Claver's third summer with the national team but he did not play in the 2008 Olympics after having already competed in FIBA Europe U20 Championship that summer. He was on the team that took gold at the EuroBasket in Poland last year, but is taking nothing for granted when it comes to being in Sergio Scariolo's final group.

"I'm looking forward and the team is getting better as we keep a similar group from year to year," he said. "It's something I want to be part of and I'm working seriously hard to be among the best in the world.

"Scariolo asked me to provide intensity, to come in from the outside and use my speed to take advantage from there."

At 21, the Valencia forward is still a youngster himself, but he is experienced compared to some of the players called in by Scariolo this year, notably the 20-year-old Pablo Aguilar, but Claver believes the fresh blood is a healthy addition.

"It's good that young players are given their chance," he said. "That means things are being done well at the levels below. But it is a difficult team to get into."

Claver is optimistic about Spain's chances in Turkey, but does not want to make any predictions at this stage.

"I think it is still too early to give opinions, but we must go to Turkey with confidence. We are the champions of Europe and the world, but we must take things step by step."

FIBA