BRA/AUS – Goorjian salutes Brazil coach Moncho Monsalve

ATHENS (FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament for Men) - No matter what happens this summer to the Brazil men’s national team, the programme appears to be moving in the right direction under coach Moncho Monsalve.

That was the assessment of Australia coach Brian Goorjian, whose Boomers beat the Brazilians 89-84 on Wednesday night at the Acropolis Tournament.

“I have a lot of admiration for what coach Monsalve has done with Brazil,” Goorjian said.

“They get the most out of what they have.”

Australia beat Brazil two years ago in Japan, and Goorjian said: “Compared to the team we faced during the 2006 World Championship, I think that they play better together, they play harder, they are more efficient on the defensive end of the floor and they move the ball better.

“Everyone gets his touches. Every shot was a good shot.”

While Australia have already secured a spot at the Beijing Games, Brazil are trying to join them.

They will go after one of the three places still on offer for China at next week’s FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament and take on Greece and Lebanon in Group A.

“Overall I have to admit that I'm satisfied with our performance, but admittedly we should improve in our rebounding and our man-to-man defense,” said Monsalve, a Spaniard who took the reins of Brazil in January.

“Hopefully, on the 15th of July, we'll get our first win."

That’s when Brazil face Lebanon – one day before their second group game against hosts Greece.

FIBA