BRA – New coach Moncho Monsalve upbeat about draw

MADRID (FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament) - New Brazil coach Moncho Monsalve would rather take on Greece in Group A than face them in the quarter-final round at the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament.

That is, in fact, the scenario for the South American giants as they attempt to claim one of three Olympic qualifying places in Athens for the Beijing Games.

Brazil, Greece and Lebanon are in Group A with Germany, New Zealand and Cape Verde in Group B.

Slovenia, Korea and Canada are in Group C and in Group D are Croatia, Cameroon and Puerto Rico.

Speaking from Madrid, Monsalve told FIBA: "If you look at any group, you will see there are two big basketball countries in each.

“For us, it´s a tremendous challenge to finish first of our group ahead of Greece, who are hosting the tournament. Greece needs no introduction.

“But I am happy with our group. I think the real test will be against Group B, with Germany and New Zealand as the likely teams we will meet in the next round if we finish in the top two spots of our group.

“The important thing is to arrive to that point at the top of our game. We have a good team and we have great players so in that respect, I am not worried. I am confident of the talent I have at my disposal.”

Brazil played Greece in Hamamatsu at the 2006 FIBA World Championship, and it turned out to be a very bad day for both teams.

Brazil lost, and their Cleveland Cavaliers big man Anderson Varejao was involved in an ugly incident during the game.

He collided with Greece guard Nikos Zisis in such a way that Zisis broke bones in his face and had to miss the rest of the tournament.

Greece’s players were furious and words were exchanged with Anderson.

Brazil failed to progress from Hamamatsu while Greece went on to beat Team USA in a semi-final before falling to Spain in the gold medal game.

"I guess facing Greece in the group lifts a weight off our shoulders,” Monsalve said.

Monsalve should have all of his top players who compete in South America, Europe and in the NBA, although there is question mark over Denver Nuggets center Nene, who is recovering after having a tumor removed from a testicle.

"With regards to Nene, we hope to have the player available,” Monsalve said.

“He is expected to recover in two months but we will have to talk to him and talk to his club, the Denver Nuggets, in the hope that he will join us.

“Nene, when in good form, is a hugely important player, who could help us a lot."

FIBA