MEX - Title success brings plenty of joy

MEXICO CITY (FIBA Americas Championship/FIBA Basketball World Cup) - The celebrations haven't stopped in Mexico, where basketball has taken center stage after the men's national team's title-winning triumph at the FIBA Americas Championship in Venezuela.

The Mexicans started fast, winning six of their first eight games to clinch a top-four finish and earn a place in the 24-team field for the 2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup.

The experience became even sweeter when Mexico defeated heavyweights Argentina in the Semi-Finals and then Puerto Rico in the Final.

When the champions returned home, they were greeted by television cameras, journalists and adoring fans at the airport.

Everyone, including the players themselves, bellowed out the famous 'Cielito lindo' song that is always played by mariachi bands around the world.

"Ay, ay, ay, ay, canta y no llores" (Ay, ay, ay ay, sing and don't cry) has been heard often since Mexico's players have returned home.

One player to have a big hand in the success was Gustavo Ayon.

"I can't describe it with words," he said.

"We just have to enjoy it and celebrate this achievement."

Ayon underlined his status as one of the leading players in the Americas.

The 2.06m center, who is now on the books of the Atlanta Hawks, averaged 17.5 points, 9.2 rebounds and 1.4 blocks and was MVP of the tournament in Caracas, Venezuela.

"We have 12 leaders in this team," he stressed, "and that was the key of our success.

"No one is better than the other and that is something that we had very clear since we began our training."

Mexico's appointment of Spanish coach Nicolas Valdeolmillos has paid rich dividends.

"Since we began our preparations," Valdeolmillos said, "we had the idea of incorporating some European basketball into Mexican basketball.

"I think that the European style could be adapted perfectly and after all, that's why I was hired.

"It is what we tried to do, especially on defense, to bring a little order and discipline."

Mexico, Puerto Rico, Argentina and the Dominican Republic joined Olympic champions USA as the representatives of the Americas at next year's FIBA World Cup.

Ayon and his cohorts are turning their attention to the coming season, yet they already have one eye on Spain 2014.

The last time the country took part in a FIBA World Championship was 1974, when it was held in Puerto Rico.

"The team is very focused on what we have done and aware that we have a great responsibility for basketball in our nation," Ayon said.

"We have one year to work and organize things."

FIBA