For Gian Clavell, qualifying Puerto Rico to the World Cup would be one of his “biggest achievements”

SAN JUAN (FIBA Basketball World Cup Americas Qualifiers 2019) — Since their debut in the 1959 World Cup, the Puerto Rico national team have been a constant presence in the world event. In the conclusion of the qualifying rounds on the Road to China 2019, the mission is more than clear: qualifying and compete once again in the greatest level.

The Boricua five will not face alone their challenge of grasping the ticket to the next World Cup in 2019 -- the Roberto Clemente Coliseum will be overflowing with attendees. Two months ago, and in a matter of hours, all tickets to the games this week against Argentina and Uruguay sold out. One of the young players of the squad, shooting guard Gian Clavell, acknowledges that the group has a great advantage because of the support of their people.

“It’s fantastic! I love it, and I appreciate the constant support we have from our fans and from the entire island when we compete. Our home arena is going to be loud and noisy, and we want to bring them joy by winning both of those games and qualify,” said Gian Clavell to FIBA.com.

Puerto Rico are entering the last Americas Qualifiers with a 6-4 record, in Group E's fourth place. The Caribbean team are currently tied with Uruguay in the fight for the third and last available ticket for the group that already has qualified Argentina and the United States to the World Cup. The Puerto Ricans will first face the Argentines on Friday and then, on Monday, welcome Uruguay in a game that could very well define who goes to China.

We have to make it hard for our opponents and we have to take advantage of the fact that we are playing at home and that we can count on our sixth man to help us win,” pointed out Clavell, who in 10 qualifying games averages 11.5 points, 2.4 rebounds and registers 38% in three-point shots.

According to the 24-year-old shooting guard, the group is focused on their goal of being at the next FIBA World Cup. “We are so motivated and really excited to have this opportunity because we want to bring Puerto Rico to the world stage. We are playing two finals; our mindset is that we have to win both to qualify.”

Clavell debuted with the adult team in the World Cup qualifiers and has turned into a key piece for the Boricuas with his attack from the bench. “I try to be the best teammate I can be and be impactful on both ends of the floors. With the national team, I am another ‘fighter’, I try to help the team win games and be competitive.”

When Clavell was a child he dreamed of wearing the Puerto Rican jersey and from the moment he began in the team, he has set his mind on taking Puerto Rico to a new World Cup, which would be a great feat.

“Yes, I can say that it would be one of the biggest achievements in my career so far, and I would be so happy to do so because it would mean so much to me. I have big goals in my career and helping Puerto Rico compete in the top competitions in the world would be so amazing. We are close to make that goal come true and we all want to be in China next summer.”

Now, in order to reach those goals, Clavell and Puerto Rico must overcome the challenging tests that are Argentina and Uruguay.

“We have two games left, two huge battles coming, and we want to make the best out of it,” concluded Clavell.

FIBA