Moreira ready to take on leading role

DALLAS (FIBA Basketball World Cup/NCAA) - Angola rising star Yanick Moreira is eager to take his game to the next level in the US collegiate ranks after a memorable experience at the 2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup.

The 23-year-old - the youngest player in Angola's squad at Spain 2014 - got everyone's attention with his 38-point explosion against Australia - the highest single game scoring output of the tournament. 

Moreira now looks to use his experience with the national team this past summer to ignite his senior year at Southern Methodist University (SMU).

The 2.11m power forward who led the Angolans in scoring and rebounding at FIBA's flagship event (17.8 points and 8.2 boards per game), feels he's mentally stronger and ready to take on a bigger role with the Larry-Brown-coached team.

"I'll be working even harder to play better than I did last season," he told FIBA.com

"My aim this season is to help the team win more games and become a leader on court."

Last season, the native of Luanda was affected by injuries that limited his playing time.

SMU finished runners-up at the 2014 National Invitation Tournament (NIT) following a 65-63 defeat to Minnesota at Madison Square Garden in New York with Moreira playing only three minutes.

Now, he says, it is all about moving on.

The FIBA Basketball World Cup was immensely significant for him as it marked his return from a knee injury.

"When I saw my name in the preliminary squad I did not think much (about the chance of playing). But the tournament was really great for me as it helped me to prove the doubters wrong."

The African champions Angola finished their campaign at Spain 2014 with two wins and three losses. It wasn't enough to advance to the Final Phase, a stage of the competition they had reached in the previous three editions. 

Nevertheless, the team finished on a high note with their defeat of the Boomers.

Moreira credited his excellent individual performance in that game to great team work.

"I keep great memories of that game against Australia. I have vivid memories of seeing my senior teammates giving me confidence, encouraging me to keep playing because they (the Australians) seemed to be somehow exhausted. My teammates pushed me to keep scoring."

Moreira was one of three players making their debut for Angola's senior national side in Gran Canaria. Despite their final result of finishing a disappointing 17th in the 24-team event, he remains upbeat about their future.

With half of the team that competed in Spain averaging 30 years of age or more, he believes that the youngsters need to step up.

"I think it is a good idea (to renew the national team). It will take some time, but it will be good for young players," he said.

Islando Manuel and Edson Ndoniema were the other two debutants. Along with Hermenegildo Santos and Moreira - who teamed up to represent Angola at the 2009 FIBA U19 World Championship in New Zealand - they represent the promising new generation which the country hopes will lead the team in years to come.

The Angolans along with Uganda, Egypt and hosts Tunisia are, so far, the only teams qualified for AfroBasket 2015, a qualifier tournament for the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics.

FIBA