DOM - New coach Antigua targets Spain 2014

SANTO DOMINGO (FIBA Americas Championship/FIBA Basketball World Cup) - These are exciting times in the Dominican Republic, where the country's basketball federation has just appointed Orlando Antigua as their new national team coach.

A former Dominican Republic player himself and an assistant the past couple of summers to head coach John Calipari with the national side, Antigua is to lead the team in Caracas, Venezuela, at the FIBA Americas Championship.

The top four sides will clinch places at the 2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup in Spain.

"We will get the expected results. We've fought to go to the World Championship and Olympic Games for a long time," Antigua said.

"We have been close to getting the place, and have quality and courage."

At the 2009 FIBA Americas Championship in Puerto Rico, the Dominicans could have sealed a place at the 2010 FIBA World Championship but lost to Canada in their last game.

In 2011, the Dominican Republic needed at least a silver medal at the FIBA Americas Championship in Mar del Plata, Argentina, to earn a place at the London Games.

They ended up with a bronze and settled for a spot at the 2012 FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament (OQT) in Venezuela.

In a do-or-die final game against Nigeria in Caracas, the Dominicans lost, 88-73.

At this summer's FIBA Americas Championship, the Dominican Republic will be in Group B with Mexico, Venezuela, Paraguay and Argentina.

Antigua, who is also an assistant coach to Calipari at the University of Kentucky, says it is a great honor to lead his country.

"I'm extremely excited to have this opportunity," he said.

"Anytime you can coach and be a participant of a national team, it's very special.

"For Coach Calipari and (Kentucky athletic director) Mitch Barnhart to allow me to take part in this opportunity means a lot, on a personal level as well as professionally.

"I'm also thankful to the Dominican Federation, (general manager) Eduardo Najri and (president) Rafael Uribe for their confidence in entrusting this program and team to me.

"It is my goal to build upon the recent success we've enjoyed and continue to make this a program the Dominican Republic can be proud of."

Calipari fully expects the Dominican Republic to thrive under Antigua.

"I'm proud of what we were able to accomplish over the past two years, getting this country to the brink of its first-ever Olympic appearance," he said.

"I'm confident with the experience he has that Orlando will build on the team's success and take it to new heights."

The national team will take on Puerto Rico 14 and 16 August.

Antigua will then lead the Dominicans into competition at the Jenaro "Tuto" Marchand Continental Cup (22-26 August) in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

The FIBA Americas Championship tips off 30 August.

FIBA