MEX - Ayon points to chemistry as key factor for Spain 2014

ATLANTA (FIBA Basketball World Cup) - When the FIBA Basketball World Cup tips off on 30 August in Spain, Mexico expect to be more than the team that surprisingly won the 2013 FIBA Americas Championship.

At least this is the view of Gustavo Ayon who was the MVP of the tournament in Caracas and is regarded as one of Mexico's finest players in recent years.

For the Atlanta Hawks big man, what make Mexico unique is their team work spirit as well as their tenacity to compete.

The last time the country took part in FIBA's flagship event was 1974, when it was held in Puerto Rico.

"We are humble enough to recognise that we lack international experience, but we have very good players who are able to play against the best in the world because of our team chemistry," Ayon told FIBA.com last week, when the Hawks played the Brooklyn Nets in London.

Although no schedule has been set for the national team's preparations ahead of Spain 2014, Ayon has vowed one thing is for certain: Mexico will keep the same mindset they had last summer in Venezuela.

The 2.06m forward averaged 17.5 points and 9.2 rebounds per game in the FIBA Americas Championship.

But how did Mexico beat a team like Argentina in the Semi-Final, and then edge out Puerto Rico in the Final for their first-ever continental title?

The reason for this success, Ayon says, "was because there has been a generational change of players" which allowed Mexico "to build a great team chemistry."

"It is a great opportunity for young Mexican players to show the world how good they are, and we are very excited to take part in the tournament," the 28-year-old went on.

"I am in regular contact with the federation, and I am hoping to play for my country in Spain.

"When the NBA season is over, I'll go back to Mexico and join the national team."

FIBA