BRA - Paulo Prestes gets a late call

RIO DE JANEIRO (FIBA Americas Championship/FIBA Basketball World Cup) - Paulo Prestes of Brazil is a highly-rated big man, yet one who has found it tough to break into the national team.

With players like Tiago Splitter, Nene, Anderson Varejao, Caio Torres and Rafael Hettsheimer ahead of him in the pecking order, the opportunity hasn't been there for the 2.08m Vivo Franca man, until now.

Splitter, Nene and Anderson were all named in the original preliminary squad but have had to withdraw, opening the door for Prestes.

"We are calling on Paulo Prestes Filho because of many waiver requests from the positions of the inner game," national team coach Ruben Magnano said.

"He is a player I know very well.

"I know the way he works and plays. His coming will be important."

Prestes had been a part of the preliminary squad until last year, when injury forced him to withdraw.

"I am very happy to return to the national team," he said.

"Staying outside during the Pre-Olympic, and now I have a new opportunity to show my work to the coach Ruben Magnano, whom I had the chance to meet in 2011.

"He is a great coach and knows how to adapt athletes to the style of game he wants."

If Prestes makes the final squad, he will try to help Brazil at the FIBA Americas Championship in Caracas, Venezuela.

To make next year's tournament, Brazil need to have a top-four finish.

"We want to have a very good preparation and help Brazil win a spot in the World Cup next year," Prestes said.

FIBA