BRA - An easy decision to return

SAO CARLOS (FIBA Americas Championship for Women/FIBA World Championship for Women) - Adriana Pinto had the easiest of decisions to make a short time ago when asked if she'd like to end her retirement and play for Brazil again.

For 'Adrianinha', there is simply no greater feeling that donning the national team shirt.

After representing Brazil at a fourth Olympic Games in London last year, the veteran announced she was calling it quits with the national side.

But at 34 years of age, the 1.70m guard still has plenty of basketball life in the legs.

She wanted to return to the set-up to help Brazil qualify for the 2014 FIBA World Championship for Women.

"I just feel inside that my time hasn't finished yet," she said.

"I know that we are entering a new Olympic cycle, that there are new girls who have a lot of potential.

"My goal now is to help my country, not just personal desire.

"I want to do something for the national team."

There is something else.

A player can never have enough hardware in the trophy cabinet.

"I want this opportunity and a medal," she said.

"I promise to give my all to take this team to the place as far as we can."

The FIBA Americas Championship for Women starts in Xalapa, Mexico, on 21 September, and Brazil, who are now training in Sao Carlos, will face Argentina, Puerto Rico, Mexico and the Dominican Republic in Group B.

FIBA