MIAMI (United States) – Colombia has experienced remarkable growth in recent years. It went from being a team that wasn’t taken into account to becoming a competitive rival in the region. Today, it boasts the best talent in its history, with several of its players developed in U.S. college basketball. However, not all of its key pieces will be available. In the FIBA World Ranking, Colombia sits at No. 55 and No. 11 in the Americas.
Colombia posted a 3-3 record in Group A of the AmeriCup Qualifiers, including a victory over Venezuela, and clinched its spot by finishing third in the group.
Tournament history
This will be the nation’s third appearance, all coming consecutively in the last three editions. In 2022, they finished ninth, improving on their debut performance, where they had placed 11th.
Players to watch
Hansel Atencia will be tasked with running the team in light of the absences. The point guard has already shown his quality in previous events, and in the Qualifiers, he led the team’s offense with 13.5 points and 3.8 assists.
Forward Michael Jackson Wright, a battle-tested veteran with the Colombian squad, will likely see his minutes increase, and his offense will be vital for the team’s chances. The player Colombia is counting on the most is shooting guard Braian Angola. The 31-year-old averaged 13.4 points with Turk Telekom in Turkey. He did not play in the Qualifiers but is expected to provide a major boost in Nicaragua.
Head coach: Tomás Díaz
After winning multiple titles in Colombia’s top league, Díaz was promoted from assistant to head coach of the national team. He guided Colombia through the Qualifiers and will now aim to take the team to its best-ever finish in this competition.
Outlook
Colombia will need an upset to make a deep run, and its challenge is even tougher with some players missing. The team is in Group C alongside Argentina, the Dominican Republic, and host nation Nicaragua. Argentina and the Dominican Republic are favored to advance. This leaves Colombia to battle the hosts for third place— which, at least on paper, may be its most winnable game.
Last 10 FIBA events
Año | Evento | Posición |
|---|---|---|
2022 | FIBA AmeriCup | 9th |
2019 | FIBA AmeriCup Pre-Qualifiers | 1st |
2017 | FIBA AmeriCup | 11th |
2016 | South American Championship | 5th |
2010 | South American Championship | 6th |
2008 | South American Championship | 5th |
2006 | South American Championship | 5th |
2001 | South American Championship | 7th |
1999 | South American Championship | 9th |
1997 | South American Championship | 5th |
FIBA