BRA - Brazil boss buoyant

RIO DE JANEIRO (Pan American Games) - Brazil coach Antonio Carlos Barbosa is confident his side can win the women's Pan-American games.

The hosts have been drawn in Group A alongside Canada, Mexico and Jamaica, while Argentina, Colombia, Cuba and the USA will contest Group B.

The top two teams from each group will progress to the semi-finals of the tournament, which will be held in Rio de Janeiro in July.

Barbosa said: "We've been drawn in the least tough group and it is good for us because the team will improve on their way towards the final."

But Barbosa has warned his players they cannot afford to be complacent, especially against Canada.

"The strongest rivals are Canada, because Mexico and Jamaica do not have too much basketball tradition," he added.

"We'll have to do a good warm-up to win gold."

Meanwhile, the Brazilian men's team have been drawn in Group A of the competition alongside the Virgin Islands, Canada and Puerto Rico, while Argentina, USA, Panama and Uruguay are in Group B.

Brazil coach Aluisio Lula Ferreira said: "Brazil have a good chance, but Puerto Rico and Canada are strong, well-prepared teams, and Virgin Islands were the 2006 Centrobasket runners-up.

"The Pan American Games is a level competition and we can beat all rivals. We want to win our third title in a row."

Ferreira also believes that the USA will be strong contenders for the championship, despite not having any of their top players available for the tournament.

"The USA will not have any NBA players in their side, but they always have a competitive team," he added.

"Panama were also a surprise when they finished fifth in the 2005 FIBA Americas Championship and won the Centrobasket in 2006."

Matias Greco
FIBA