BRA – Brazil hoopsters ecstatic over 2016 Olympics

RIO DE JANEIRO (Olympics) - Brazilian basketball is flying high and not just because the men's and women's senior teams captured gold medals at their respective FIBA Americas Championships this year.
 
The hoops world is excited following the announcement that Rio de Janeiro will stage the 2016 Olympics.
 
The International Olympic Committee's decision to award the Summer Games to Rio means that both Brazil national sides are likely to take a spots in the basketball tournaments normally reserved for host countries.
 
Anderson Varejao, who plays for the Cleveland Cavaliers, is proud of his country and hopeful that it will put on a magnificent event.
 
"It was the best news of the year for Brazilian sport," Anderson said.
 
"I lived in Barcelona and saw how the 1992 Games transformed that city, the positive legacy of infrastructure and the growth of sports thanks to the Olympics.
 
"Rio de Janeiro won against very strong candidates.
 
"We have the time and the capacity to make the 2016 Games the biggest edition of the Olympics of all time."
 
Varejao is playing the best basketball of his career right now.
 
He could still be a big factor for Brazil when the Games are held.
 
"For 2016," he said, "I will be 33 years old and hope to be on the court defending the Brazilian team in Rio de Janeiro."
 
Leandro Barbosa, who plays for the Phoenix Suns, says Rio's triumph over the other cities bidding for the Olympics has given the country a wonderful opportunity.
 
"I'm sure it will be a success," he said, "and will leave an outstanding legacy for Rio de Janeiro.
 
"After the success of the Pan American Games in Rio de Janeiro, now it's time to show our competence in carrying out a worldwide event.
 
"I can assure you that basketball will be stronger than ever to fight for a medal."
 
The Brazilian women are enthusiastic as well.
 
Adrianinha Pinto won a bronze medal with the Brazilian team in Sydney nine years ago.
 
"It will be an opportunity to show the world the strength, organization and hospitality of the Brazilian people," she said.
 
"As an athlete, I just have to celebrate because nothing on earth compares to playing with the support of the fans of our country in the bleachers."
 
FIBA