BRA - Varejao: "Playing at Spain 2014 would be special for me"

CLEVELAND (NBA/FIBA Basketball World Cup) - It wasn't too long ago that Brazilian basketball owed much of the recognition it got to the talent of Oscar Schmidt. However, over the last 10-15 years, it has grown in its own right as a number of talents have emerged and helped improve the reputation of the sport in the country by affirming themselves in the NBA.

From Washington Wizards big man Nene - the first Brazilian ever selected in the first round of the NBA draft back in 2002 - to Phoenix Suns blur Leandro Barbosa, along with Anderson Varejao of the Cleveland Cavaliers and Tiago Splitter of the San Antonio Spurs, these players are having great careers in the best league in the world.

Varejao, a former FC Barcelona product, has been with the Cavs since his arrival in the NBA in 2004.

Despite missing almost 20 games due to injuries this season, the 31-year-old has been one of the most efficient players for Cleveland, averaging 8.5 points and 9.8 rebounds per game.

Known as one of the toughest defensive players in the NBA, the native of Colatina is also one of the pillars of Brazil's national team, having made his senior debut at the 2002 FIBA World Championship.

Since then, Varejao has helped Brazil win the FIBA Americas Championship twice (2005 and 2009) and end a 16-year absence from the Olympics in style as they came in fifth at the 2012 London Olympics.

The blue collar player, who missed the 2013 FIBA Americas Championship through injury, is looking to return to national team that will compete at this summer's FIBA Basketball World Cup in Spain.

FIBA.com caught up with Varejao.

FIBA: You missed some games due to injuries over the last few weeks. How are you feeling now?
Varejao: I am still dealing with some physical problems, but I am trying my best to help the team win games. The season has not been going the way I wanted it to, but I have no other choice than to keep fighting game after game. As I have not completely recovered from my injuries, I am only able to spend a limited time on the court every night and it's a bit frustrating. I am not going to complain about that because the team is what matters the most to me.

FIBA: The team has been playing better as of late and there's still a chance to make the playoffs.
Varejao: Our season has been a bit complicated as we were expecting to win more games and play better basketball. There are nine games left in the regular season and we need to win most of them. It would be complicated to reach the playoffs since we depend on the losses of others to finish in the eighth spot, but we need to fight until there are no possibilities. We have been showing some great things in the last few weeks and we need to do so until the end of the regular season.

FIBA: You have been playing for Brazil for more than 10 years now. What do you think about the improvement of the national team?
Varejao: I think that the national team has been improving a lot since 2000. Players and coaches have worked hard in order to build a competitive national team and help promote the sport in the country. The results are very positive: there are currently five Brazilian players in the NBA, some very talented youngsters are emerging and we are seeing some good results in international competitions, like the FIBA Americas Championship and the Olympics. The future of Brazil's national team is bright.

FIBA: There's just a few months to go before the FIBA Basketball World Cup. What are your thoughts looking ahead to it?
Varejao: It's going to be a very exciting competition. We have been included in the most difficult group of the tournament, but I am sure that we can go to the second round. We are going to be a tough opponent. Also, it would be special for me to play in Spain, having spent two years in Barcelona at the beginning of my career. The fans are great and it is a perfect country to organise a competition like the World Cup.

FIBA: Where do you rank playing for the national team among your goals?
Varejao: Playing for the national team has always been very important for me. I am always happy to wear the national team jersey. I would like to be part of the team that will compete in Spain this summer.

FIBA