MEX - Mexico announced 22-man preliminary squad for FIBA Americas Championship

MEXICO (2009 FIBA Americas Championship) - Rising star Gustavo Ayon headlines the list of 22 players that Mexico have named in their preliminary squad for the FIBA Americas Championship.

Looking to reach the FIBA World Championship for the first time since 1974, the Mexicans will go after four spots on offer for  next year’s bit tournament in Turkey when they compete at the Americas qualifying event in San Juan, Puerto Rico, from August 26 to September 6.

The 23-year-old Ayon caused a stir this year when leading Halcones UV Xalapa to the Mexican domestic title, averaging 13.1 points, 7.8 rebounds and 2.7 assists in the LNBP Finals.

The seven-footer then travelled to Spain to make his debut with Alta Gestion Fuenlabrada - the side he will play for all of next season.

Other well-known names in the Mexican game that coach Arturo Guerrero will consider for his final 12-man squad are Omar Quintero, Anthony Lever-Pedroza, Victor Mariscal, Victor Avila and Horacio Llamas.

Mexico will begin their preparations on Jun 28 at Centro Nacional de Alto Rendimiento in Mexico City.

Mexico preliminary squad: Omar Quintero, Enrique Zuñiga, Pedro Meza, Christopher Hernandez, Ray Castillo, Anthony Lever-Pedroza, Miguel Ayala, Victor Mariscal, Anthony Grant Esparza, Jesus Lopez, Noe Alonzo, Stephen Soriano, Romel Beck, Omar Lopez, Hector Hernandez, Arim Solares, Gustavo Ayon, Lorenzo Mata, Ramses Benitez, Victor Ávila, Horacio Llamas and Adam Parada.

FIBA