Arroyo rolls back the years in Belgrade fuelled by Puerto Rico pride

BELGRADE (2016 FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournaments) – Puerto Rico star Carlos Arroyo turns 37 at the end of this month, but nobody would guess it watching his stellar displays at the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Belgrade.

"People back home want to see this team play in the Olympics once again, it means so much to them so it means so much to us." - Arroyo

The veteran point guard spoke to FIBA.com while Puerto Rico wait on the result of the Tuesday game between Angola and Serbia, which will determine their final placement in Group B.

FIBA.com: Judging from the first two games, do you believe your team is a contender for the ticket to Rio 2016 from this tournament?
Arroyo: We need to play better, definitely. We took a step forward but for us to be contenders and get the ticket to Rio we still need to get better. Our first game being Serbia, it was not easy, they have tremendous talent and they are playing at home. But we moved forward, we kept our ambition and played well against Angola in what was an elimination game.

"The little we can do for people in Puerto Rico, maybe put a smile on their face and make them feel proud and happy, that's what we're after." - Arroyo

FIBA.com: What did it take after such a long season, for you to come here looking fresh and start off with two great performances?
Arroyo: I love playing for my country, I play with a lot of pride and it's a huge honour for me to be here. I finished the season not even a week before joining the team and I stayed in shape because I understand the type of endurance and stamina this type of tournaments require. You have to be ready from the start, both mentally and physically. I am just motivated because when I am wearing these colours, I am representing my family and my people.

FIBA.com: You're one of the few here to have played at an Olympic Games, what motivates you at your age to want to experience that again?
Arroyo: Myself and my coach [Eddie Cassiano] are the only ones – we were team-mates (he laughs). I had a tremendous experience and a great time. You get to meet athletes from around the world, you get to talk to them, go to different competitions. It's a dream come true for every athlete. People back home want to see this team play in the Olympics once again, it means so much to them so it means so much to us. The little we can do for people in Puerto Rico, maybe put a smile on their face and make them feel proud and happy, that's what we're after. 

FIBA