Calcano decides on 12 for Veracruz 2014

SAN JUAN (Central American and Caribbean Games) - Puerto Rico have decided on the 12 players to represent the country at the Central American and Caribbean Games in Veracruz, Mexico and veteran guard Larry Ayuso is among them.

Ayuso, who first played for the Boricuas at the 2002 FIBA World Championship in Indianapolis and was a prominent figure in the side that stunned the United States on the opening day of the 2004 Olympics in Athens, represented the country as recently as 2013 at the FIBA Americas Championship in Venezuela.

The coach of that team, Paco Olmos, then elected not to take Ayuso to the FIBA Basketball World Cup in Spain.

With Olmos gone after the team's 1-4 performance at the World Cup and Carlos Calcano now in charge, Ayuso has been welcomed back into the fold.

"I'm very proud to represent my country and my colors," the 37-year-old said.

"I will always be available and I feel great."

Ayuso says the team may have shortcomings but insisted it should be competitive.

"We lack height but our players have a lot of heart and everyone knows that we will always give our best," he said.

The competition takes place from 24-28 November.

Puerto Rico will play in Group A with Jamaica and Cuba, while Mexico, Costa Rica, Panama and the Dominican Republic will trade blows in Group B.

The top two sides in each will advance to the Semi-Finals.

Calcano says the players have been working extremely hard.

"They are healthy and have shown a real commitment," he said.

"A lot of people think that the Central American Games are not important, but for me every competition is important."

Puerto Rico squad for Central American and Caribbean Games: Larry Ayuso, Christian Dalmau, Carlos Rivera, Andres Torres, David Cortes, Miguel Ali Berdiel, Javier Mojica, Angel Daniel Vassallo, Alexander Franklin, Angel Alamo, Carlos Lopez and Kevin Young.

FIBA