Levy values the chance of playing in front of the Panama fans during the Qualifiers

PANAMA CITY (FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019) - Panama is full of expectations facing a year of great activity in the American continents. And, in part, that sentiment grows from the illusion of a new process with new replacements.

Several of the prominent players of the Panama National Team had announced their retirement from the international courts, which will entail the inclusion of new assets.

However, this change must be executed by some well-seasoned men that may serve as support to the younger generation. The long road travelled throughout the international scene makes for power forward Jamaal Levy to become a trustworthy reference to input his experience during this stage.

Levy, who has expressed his availability to colaborate with his national team, shared his enthusiasm for the competitive challenges that will begin on November 2017, with the kick-off of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 Americas Qualifiers.

“It’s interesting. It's a different way of competing, in which all countries will have to seek how to adapt. Also, new opportunities arise for all national teams to remain competitive during the whole year and it gives them more chances to qualify for the World Cup. For players, it's quite demanding both physically and mentally. I treasure the opportunity to play as a local before our people,” said the player who currently is signed to Bahía Basket in the Argentina National League.

"This system will demand a lot. The dates of the Panama Professional League should not change much, because many players will be active and ready for the National Team's call. And those of us who are usually playing in foreign countries should be available and in constant communication for us to be able represent our contry,” Levy added.

Panama was selected for Group A of The FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 Americas Qualifiers, next to Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay, and will begin its qualifying efforts on November 23 in Uruguay.

“Our group is tough and demanding, which would require for us to be completely prepared for the challenge. Apart from the long trips we will have, they are national teams with high quality players and good locations. This is a group that, if we were to go on to the next round, will help us to be prepared due to the game style of the three teams,” the Panamanian player concluded.

The last time Panama participated in the FIBA Basketball World Cup was in its 2006 edition and now, betting on its renovation, it seeks to finalize among the first seven positions of the Americas Qualifiyers to be able to return to the world event.

FIBA