MADRID (Spain) - What if Cape Verdean Walter Tavares had elected to represent his country internationally rather than trying his luck in the NBA?

Perhaps things would have been different for the current No.15 team in Africa.

Like most young players dreaming about a basketball career in the world's premier domestic basketball competition, Tavares had his chance when he was drafted by the Atlanta Hawks with 43rd pick in the 2014 NBA Draft, and as a result, he became the first Cape Verde-born to ever play in the league. 

From 2015 to 2017, Edy, as he is also known, spent a considerable amount of time between the NBA and the G-League, which forced him to stay away from his national team because - in his own words -  he "needed to fight for roster spot with the Hawks."

While Cape Verde had a promising start to the FIBA AfroBasket 2015, they fell short to advance beyond the Eight-Finals, after a 77-67 defeat to Gabon, and Tavares watched it all from  afar.

Now, a key member for ACB champions and European heavyweight Real Madrid, Tavares insists that he would have done things differently, admitting that he can't wait for the opportunity to wear Cape Verde's uniform again.

"I will do everything in my power to represent my country if the opportunity arises," the 28-year-old told FIBA.basketball.

"Of course I feel the responsibility of carrying Cape Verde’s flag every time I step on the floor across the world, which gives me extra motivation to keep on fighting and try to be at my best when I return to the national team."

Tavares last featured for the islanders at FIBA AfroBasket 2013 in Abidjan, where he averaged eight points and six rebounds per game although Cape Verde fell to a surprising Egypt in the Quarter-Finals.

"My dream is to win a trophy with my national team, and I’ll try to return to the team as soon as I can. I feel prepared to help my country in this challenge," Tavares said.

Early this year, Cape Verde lost to Algeria 169-166 on aggregate in a two-game [FIBA]AfroBasket 2021 pre-qualifiers playoff in Algiers, a defeat that left Cape Verde wondering about their future. They remain hopeful though. 

If FIBA Africa decides to organise a play-in tournament to fill the gap left by Africa Zone 3 countries to complete the [FIBA] AfroBasket 2021 Qualifiers lineup, Cape Verde will jump in.

"It would be great if FIBA Africa makes the right decision of inviting us. It’ll be an opportunity to show the world that we can compete in the best tournament in Africa."

A top defender making waves in Spain's ACB League, the 2.21m (7ft 3in) center won EuroLeagues's 2019 Defender of the Year award.

Tavares' defensive prowess could be everything Cape Verde need to join the continent's elite.  

"I haven’t played for my national team because of my club’s incompatible schedule with FIBA Africa dates. It’s been almost seven years since I last played for my country, and I can't wait to help my country again.          

FIBA