PAN - Self-belief, patience key for Rosario

SAN JUAN (2011 FIBA Americas Championship) - Panama are not one of the giants of the FIBA Americas but one can never underestimate this national team.

To do so would be extremely foolish, especially when considering this side had enough quality and determination to reach 2006 FIBA World Championship.

Nolan Richardson, the former Arkansas Razorbacks coach, was at the helm of Panama when they earned a trip to the Far East with an impressive FIBA Americas Championship.

David Rosario is at the helm of this summer's team.

"We have a group of young players of 19, 20 and 22 years and combine them with veterans who still have good basketball in them," Rosario said.

"I think we'll have a great showing.

"Let's play well in games because in a tournament, anything can happen."

Panama, unlike other teams headed for Mar del Plata, will not have many friendly games.

"The 10 teams have to go with the same mentality, regardless of the preparations of each," Rosario said.

"Everyone is looking to win," he said.

In the two weeks before the FIBA Americas Championship, Rosario has a lot of evaluating to do.

"Many of the veterans have not played for a while (during the summer)," he said.

"We'll start to fine tune our game, working with game situations."

What must Panama do when they travel to Mar del Plata?

"The team must play with character, pride and, above all, one must understand that the games in tournaments like this one, you win with being patient, making good decisions and playing together," he said.

The teams that reach the Final of the FIBA Americas Championship will earn trips to the London Games.

The sides that finish third, fourth and fifth will book places in the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament where three other spots will be up for grabs.

FIBA