MERIDA (2016 FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament) - Mexico has high expectations of qualifying for the Rio 2016 Olympic Games. And one of the reasons for that optimism is the return of center Lorenzo Mata to the national team.

Having been a very valuable member of the Mexican side at the 2013 FIBA Americas Championship, a series of injuries prevented him from taking part in the 2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup, the last Centrobasket and the 2015 FIBA Americas Championship.

After an extensive rehabilitation, Mata returned to the court in January with Pioneros de Cancún in the Mexican National League.

"I am grateful to be once again with the national team. I'm recovered, although a little out of rhythm. But I feel good enough to take on these international commitments and I'm confident that I can bring something good to the team," Mata told FIBA.com.

The coach of the Mexican team, Spaniard Sergio Valdeolmillos, always regretted the absence of Mata, highlighting his value, especially in their defensive structure.

"I am very excited to take on the challenge of reaching the Olympics. I feel the support of the coach and his coaching staff, despite coming from a major injury. That's a great incentive to try to reach my best level," said the 2.03m forward/center.

Before the 2016 FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament (OQT) in Turin, the Mexicans will defend their Centrobasket Championship title in Panama, from 19-25 June. Mata sees the event as a good opportunity to adjust the level of the team.

"It will be great for me to play the Centrobasket, but the whole team will use the tournament to grab the tempo and adjust to the overall operation of the team. That tournament will help us be on the same page for the Olympic Qualifying Tournament," he said.

"We have to be focused. It is great to have Sergio (Valdeolmillos) back on the bench, he knows us well. He imposed a game style, he knows what needs to be corrected and what it takes to win."

To earn their ticket to Rio de Janeiro, Mexico must overcome the Turin OQT, where they will face grueling competition against Italy, Greece, Croatia, Iran and Tunisia.

"We will go against strong teams and the games will be very difficult, very physical. But we are prepared for that. We have to play our basketball and go game by game, in search of our objective." - Mata

Mexico has not participated in the Olympic Games since Montreal 1976. The good results in recent years enabled them to participate in the 2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup, which generated great enthusiasm in the country's basketball.

"Getting to Rio would be great for Mexican basketball, one of the best in the Americas. That would generate great attention, bring more sponsors and it would bring young people to this sport," Mata pointed out.

However, the 30-year-old player said that even if they do not get to achieve the objective, the image of the Mexican basketball team will remain at a high level.

"If we do not qualify for Rio the support of the fans will continue, because they know that this team always leaves everything in the court. In the end, that's the most important thing, the only thing that matters. Our people with us, because we always felt that this team represents the entire country. But we are confident we can make them happy with the results," he said.

FIBA