BRA – Brazil coach Monsalve upbeat ahead of Athens

RIO DE JANEIRO (FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament) – Brazil coach Moncho Monsalve’s biggest challenge is to get the country’s top players to perform on the international stage as well as they do for their clubs.

With talents like Leandro Barbosa, Anderson Varejao, Marcelinho Huertas, Tiago Splitter and many others, the South Americans should be a force in the international game.

But two years ago, they failed to progress from the group stage at the FIBA World Championship and last year, they had to settle for fourth at the FIBA Americas Championship and missed out on direct qualification to the Olympics.

“The players are playing well at their clubs in Europe and the NBA, but they don't have the same performances in the national team,” Monsalve said.

“With hard work, discussions and discipline, though, we'll reach the Olympic Games.

“The only goal of everybody here is being present in Beijing. And with the talent Brazil have, we can achieve bigger things."

Monsalve, a Spaniard, never had the chance to play at an Olympics so to go as a coach would help make up for that disappointment.

"I was a good player, but when I was 26, I had a knee problem that did not allow me to play the Olympics.

"I went to Sydney 2000 and Athens 2004 as a commentator, but it's not the same. I thought I wouldn't have another chance until the CBB president Grego Bozikis invited me.

"It's a great opportunity for me and I want to pay Brazil back with an Olympic berth."

Monsalve says he will need just a month to prepare.

"It's enough time for us,” he said. “All the countries will have the same time to work with their teams."

"We'll have around 35 or 40 training sessions, one or two friendlies and the Acropolis tournament (July 7-9). The important thing is players to get to the qualifiers in good physical condition."

In Athens, Brazil will take on hosts Greece and Lebanon in Group A and if they finish in the top two, could face Germany, New Zealand or outsiders Cape Verde in the quarter-finals.

"There are first-class teams like Croatia, Slovenia, Germany, Puerto Rico and Canada, depending on the teams they take,” he said.

"Brazil are strong, too, and also respected by rivals. The quarter-final is our big game as we believe we'll play Germany or New Zealand."

FIBA