BRA - Nezinho buzzing with Brazil

RIO DE JANEIRO (FIBA World Championship) - A whirlwind winter will continue for Nezinho on Saturday when the 29-year-old guard hopes to play for Brazil in the Super 4 tournament as they warm up for the FIBA World Championship.

Nezinho was called into the squad after helping Brazil win the South America Championship last month, and he has barely had time to catch his breath as he travelled directly from Colombia to the training camp in Rio.

"Playing for the national team is a source of pride for any player," he said. "There was no time to see my family or even to rest after the South America Championship. But it is for a good cause, the Brazil team, and it is always worth making the sacrifices."

This is turning into a golden year for Nezinho, who won the Brazilian title with Universe before getting the call for the South America Championship.
He is wondering where it all might end.

"The South American title was a great achivement for the team." he said. "We trained hard and fought well to win every game.

"Then came the news that I and Murilo (Becker) were coming to Rio to train with coach Ruben Magnano. I was even happier with this personal achievement.

"I knew the style of Magnano when I went to train for the South American Championship. I already know about the pace of training so it came as no surprise."

Brazil will face Venezuela on Saturday in the opening game of the Super 4, which also includes Angola and Chile.

"Everyone has been calling me for tickets," he said. "Since winning the Brazilian title this will be the first time I see my friends in Brasilia. They are the first group matches this year and it will be a good opportunity to evaluate where we are.

"The goal is to put on a good performance and prepare for what lies ahead."

FIBA

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