BRA – Moncho: `I will call Nene but it’s his decision’

MADRID (FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament) - Brazil coach Moncho Monsalve has confirmed he will name Denver Nuggets center Nene in his preliminary group for the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Athens.

Nene, a 2.11m center, is coming off a very difficult season in the NBA after being diagnosed with testicular cancer.

The 25-year-old underwent surgery earlier this year before returning to the Nuggets and giving them an emotional lift as they edged out Golden State to the eighth and final place in the Western Conference play-offs.

It is unknown, though, if he will be available for the national team with the Brazilians taking on Greece and Lebanon in Group A of the qualifying tournament.

"I will call Nene but it's his decision,” said Moncho, a Spaniard who was appointed coach earlier this year.

“If he comes in good physical form, he is very important to the national team. He told me by email that he is really motivated to play for the national team."

Moncho will make a pre-selection of 15 players.

"I will make a pre-selection in a couple of weeks but everyone knows that Anderson Varejao, Leandrinho, Nene, Tiago Splitter, Marcelinho Huertas, Marcelinho Machado, Guilherme, Alex and Rafael Araujo will be in the group," said Moncho, who met with Maccabi Tel Aviv’s Alex and Tau Ceramica’s Splitter at the Euroleague Final Four over the weekend.

"Paulo Prestes and Duda Machado without a doubt will be in the group."

Prestes plays in the third division in Spain with Axarquia and has averaged 17.5 points and 9.7 rebounds.

He also has played in the Euroleague with Unicaja Malaga, the club that owns his rights.

Duda Machado is the brother of Marcelinho Machado and plays for current league leaders Flamengo.

He has averaged 14.4 points per game.

On Marcquinhos, formerly of the New Orleans Hornets, Moncho said: "He plays in a role where we are lacking players. I will speak to him."

FIBA