FIBA Americas - Dominican Republic to defend Centrobasket title

PANAMA CITY (Centrobasket for Men) - Defending Centrobasket champions Dominican Republic will kick off the defence of their title against US Virgin Islands despite initially being suspended from the tournament.

The Dominican Republic were suspended by FIBA Americas due to a debt they had with the institution, but will be able to defend the title clinched in 2004.

Jamaica will also face Mexico, Cuba will meet Puerto Rico before Panama host Costa Rica on the opening day of the tournament.

Hosts Panama have been drawn in Group A alongside Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic and the US Virgin Islands, while Group B contains Cuba, Jamaica, Mexico and Puerto Rico.

The championship takes place in Panama City and runs from July 4-8. The group stages will run until July 6, when the top two teams from each group will go into the semi-finals.

The Centrobasket offers four qualifying spots for the 2007 FIBA Americas Championship, itself a qualifier for the 2008 Olympics.

Jose Bayon's Dominican Republic side will be led by 2004 MVP Jack Michael Martinez while Amaury Filion, Otto Vantroy, Henry Lalane, Ricky Soliver and Andy Williams will also pose a threat.

Hosts Panama will be hopeful of a successful tournament as they prepare for the FIBA World Championship in Japan.

Guillermo Vecchio`s side have a rich history in Centrobasket, having won three titles and claimed three silver medals from the last 19 tournaments.

Mexico and Puerto Rico will also hope to challenge for honours, with the Mexican's enjoying a successful preparation against the domestic LNBP league - losing only one of the eight games.

Puerto Rico, another side looking towards the FIBA World Championship which begins in August, will be looking to Larry Ayuso, Angel 'Buster' Figueroa and Orlando Magic's Carlos Arroyo for inspiration during the tournament.

PA Sport