CHICAGO (FIBA U17 World Championship) - Julian Torres may have been born in the United States and is new to the international game, but that doesn't mean the power forward hasn't dreamt about playing for Puerto Rico.

"My dad was born in Puerto Rico. It will mean the world to play for Puerto Rico because it's always been a dream of mine," said the native of the western Chicago suburb of Bolingbrook.

Torres has played high school basketball at Bolingbrook High outside of Chicago and heard about the tryouts for the Puerto Rican U17 national team from K.J. Santos, an AAU circuit teammate who also went to the tryouts in Salinas.

The 2.08m Torres was selected in Puerto Rico's provisional roster for the 2014 FIBA U17 World Championship despite having never played for the the country - or internationally for that matter.

Torres said the Puerto Rican coaching staff hasn't really discussed what his role will be in Dubai, adding: "We really haven't talked about my role yet, but I'll accept any role."

He stressed that he is currently working on his body and getting in better shape "to be able to play games and practice without getting tired."

He added: "I'm more of an all-around player now. I've worked on every aspect of my game."

Torres will a strong addition to the Puerto Rican team, especially in the low post, where he is the tallest player listed on the provisional roster.

Puerto Rico, who finished fourth at the 2013 FIBA Americas U16 Championship, have been drawn in Group C of the 2014 FIBA U17 World Championship with hosts United Arab Emirates (UAE), Italy and Spain.

Guard Jorge Pacheco and big man Arnaldo Toro were the two leaders of the Puerto Rican team last season and will help Torres get used to the international game.

"The coaches tell me it's very physical, but that's what I love - a physical game. But to prepare for it, I just want to be in the best shape I could be in," said Torres.

FIBA