SAN JUAN (Puerto Rico) - Phillip Wheeler, Diego Romero and Rafael Pinzon headline Puerto Rico's 12-man roster for the FIBA U19 Basketball World Cup 2021 as the Central Americans look to continue their strong run of play on the youth global stage.

Romero and Wheeler were both part of the Puerto Rico team that finished third at the FIBA U17 Basketball World Cup 2018 and Romero was also at the U19 World Cup two years ago when Puerto Rico finished sixth, having lost three games by five points or fewer.

Pinzon meanwhile led Puerto Rico in scoring (16.2 ppg) and assists (2.6 apg) at the FIBA U17 Centrobasket 2019, where the team finished second to qualify for the FIBA U18 Americas Championship 2020, which was cancelled last summer due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

In addition to Pinzon, Romero was also on the U17 team in 2019 as well as Yelemir De Jesus, Erik Velázquez (who finished first and second on the team in rebounding, respectively), and 2003-born Johned Walker, who chipped in 9.2 points, 4.0 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 1.8 steals.

"These 12 young people decided to defend the national colors and I am very proud of their work. We understand the challenge we have and we will give everything to move ahead and represent Puerto Rico with dignity," Puerto Rico head coach Jorge Rincon said.

Puerto Rico, who are playing at the U19 World Cup for the eighth time and third in a row, have been drawn into Group B with Iran, Serbia and Latvia for the tournament from July 3-11 in Daugavpils and Riga.

FIBA