BRA - Splitter joins Brazil squad

RIO DE JANEIRO (2010 FIBA World Championship) - Tiago Splitter has joined up with his Brazil team-mates in Rio as they prepare for the FIBA World Championship.
 
Splitter was a late arrival after tying up contract details in the United States, having completed his switch to the San Antonio Spurs.

"I had to solve some personal problems, that's why I wasn't here before," Splitter told ESPN Brazil.

He will now work with the squad as they remain in Rio until August 4, before heading to Brasilia for a warm-up tournament involving Angola, Uruguary an Venezuela.

There was one slight setback for Brazil on Monday, as Anderson Varejao was sidelined with back spasms, but the forward's injury is not thought to be serious.

"Anderson complained of some severe pain in his back and we identified a spasm, but it is nothing series," said team doctor Carlos Andreolli.
"This afternoon he had an MRI and the results were normal. He should resume training on Wednesday."

Varejao's injury, combined with Splitter's arrival, will increase speculation over the three-way battle in the center positions, with Nene also battling for playing time.

However, Splitter thinks the battle is good for the team. "I think it's natural when there are two or three players who play in the same position, this only helps the team," he said.

"It gives the team more options depending in the game situation."

Brazil have been drawn in Group B at the World Championship, and will face Croatia, Iran, Slovenia, the United States and Tunisia.

FIBA