BRA - Barbosa slams NBS stars

RIO DE JANEIRO (National team) - Antonio Carlos Barbosa, the co-ordinator of the Brazilian national basketball teams, has slammed the country's NBA stars after they failed to qualify for the 2008 Beijing Olympics last month.

The Selecao were beaten by Argentina in the semi-finals of the FIBA Americas tournament and now face a further qualifying stage as they attempt to make the games.

Barbosa, who was formerly coach of the Brazilian women's team, has laid the blame firmly at the feet of the team's high-profile stars.

"The fact a player is in the NBA means he is very good, but it doesn't mean he will be champion," he said.

"Leandrinho (Leandro Barbosa), Nene (Anderson), Varejao - these players do not have the power to take decisions. Nene was fat and out of form.

"Everybody values NBA players a lot, but just being in the NBA isn't enough.

"Everybody talks about a need of modernisation in Brazilian basketball, but what does modern mean?

"In the United States and Europe, training structure is modern, but every team has to find their own style."

Barbosa was also disappointed with the women's team, which will have to face another qualifier after taking Bronze at their own FIBA Americas Championship in Valdivia.

"The national team have a nutritionist, but it's not working well," he said.

"The team usually stay in a hotel. In Rio de Janeiro, I was told a waiter took candies and chocolates to the players' rooms. We have to be more conscious of these types of things."

Matias Greco
FIBA