A step forward for Venezuela
CARACAS (Rio 2016 Olympic Games) - Venezuela did not claim a medal at the Rio de Janeiro Games. They even came up short of the Quarter-Finals, yet it would be way off the mark to suggest that the summer of
CARACAS (Rio 2016 Olympic Games) - Venezuela did not claim a medal at the Rio de Janeiro Games. They even came up short of the Quarter-Finals, yet it would be way off the mark to suggest that the summer of 2016 was a useless exercise for the country's basketball program.
The players gained valuable experience in the build-up, and at the Games, that will help them as they attempt to cement their status as a leading side in the Americas and look ahead to their qualifying campaign for the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019.
The Vinotinto, who climbed seven rungs to No. 15 in the FIBA World Ranking Men, would not have been in Brazil had it not been for the coaching acumen of Nestor 'Che' Garcia, one of the best tacticians and motivators around.
He spoke to FIBA.com.
FIBA.com: Venezuela gave their fans a real thrill by keeping the Group A game against the United States close in the first quarter and you did get a victory against China. On balance, was 2016 a step forward for Venezuela?
Garcia: We were very proud to play against these types of teams. It had been 24 years (1992 Olympics) since Venezuela had played at this level. I think it was good for Venezuela to grow up. We won in America the last three championships (2014 and 2016 South American Championships and 2015 FIBA Americas Championship) but to play against these teams, it was good for us to analyze what the future will be for Venezuelan basketball.
Venezuela took on the best in Rio
FIBA.com: Speaking about the future, what about the pipeline of talent? Are there young players that are coming through?
Garcia: Not too much, but there are a few guys that can help the national team in four or five years. During our preparations, we had a squad of 25 players to include some young players and show them what this is all about, how to play, how to travel. I think this whole summer was very good for us because this is the reality.
FIBA.com: As an Argentinian, how do you like coaching another South American country?
Garcia: I decided to be an international coach. I love my country and I coached our national team but sometimes, you never know. When Venezuela called me, it was a good opportunity to create another good national team. They won the South American Championship twice and the FIBA Americas Championship, so that's very good.
FIBA