MEX - Gutierrez stresses importance of team play

NEW YORK (FIBA Basketball World Cup/FIBA Americas Championship) - Anyone who thinks that Mexico are a one-man team after the performance of Gustavo Ayon at the FIBA Americas Championship is mistaken.

True, coach Sergio Valdeomillos had the luxury of tournament MVP Ayon logging a lot of minutes and firing the Mexicans to a first-ever title in the competition, but the strength of the unit was its overall team play.

That's why Mexico's starting point guard Jorge Gutierrez, who only just signed a multi-year contract with the Brooklyn Nets, has been expressing plenty of optimism about the national side's chances at the FIBA Basketball World Cup in Spain, despite the uncertainty surrounding Ayon.

The Atlanta Hawks big man was lost for the season in February to season-ending shoulder surgery and it's unclear if he will be in the Mexico line-up in Gran Canaria to face Group D foes Lithuania, Slovenia, Angola, Korea and Australia.

Gutierrez was a key man at the FIBA Americas Championship in Venezuela, too, averaging 9.6 points, 4.2 rebounds and 2.3 assists per game.

The 1.90m playmaker had eight points and six assists in the Semi-Final triumph over Argentina, and 11 points with four assists in the title win over Puerto Rico.

"When we won the FIBA Americas Championship, the team won," Gutierrez said.

"Of course if he (Ayon) does not play, we will miss him, but playing as a team, we do well at the World Cup."

If Mexico need another leader, they can turn to Gutierrez.

He has shown what perseverance can accomplish.

An outstanding collegian at the University of California, Gutierrez was the PAC-12 Player of the Year.

He has had to pay his dues in the NBDL before getting his chance with the Nets on a couple of 10-day contracts.

Gutierrez appeared in 35 games (all starts) this season in the NBDL and averaged 13.9ppg, 5.7rpg, 6.9apg and 1.2spg in 32.7mpg before signing his first 10-day contract with Brooklyn.

After the completion of his second 10-day deal, he was rewarded with his multi-year contract on March 28.

When a player has spent time in the NBDL and is on short-term contracts, he can never be comfortable.

"Every day, I came in and did my best (with the Nets)," Gutierrez said to La Opinion.

"I have to continue working, improving on the basics, play with confidence and move forward."

Gutierrez wouldn't have made it as far as he has so far if he were lacking in self-belief.

That fact is going to be a big factor for Mexico when they play at the World Cup.

FIBA