ESP - Reyes out of first round for Spain

HIROSHIMA (FIBA World Championship) - Spain suffered a minor blow to their title hopes Saturday evening as it was announced that Felipe Reyes would miss the rest of the first round of the 2006 FIBA World Championship.

Reyes was ruled out at least six days because of a contusion to a rib in the back of his upper back. The veteran power forward was caught with an elbow during Spain's final warmup game against Argentina in Singapore last Sunday.

"He will miss six or seven days. And he will be evaluated day by day," said the Spanish team doctor Delfin Galiano. "He's looking forward to playing again, we just have to keep analysing him."

The doctor added: "Reyes has been receiving treatment. But he hasn't improved as we had hoped."

Spain coach Pepu Hernandez said he's disappointed with the injury, especially since Reyes had been playing so well.

"He was one of the best players in the prepartation games," the coach said. "He was playing great defense and scoring better than he has in a long time."

Hernandez said the bulk of Reyes' minutes will go to fellow veteran Carlos Jimenez and youngster Marc Gasol.

"We have total confidence in Carlos and Marc. But we will miss Felipe," Hernandez added.

By DAVID HEIN
Exclusively for FIBA