PUR - Barea insists that he will play in FIBA Americas Championship

SAN JUAN (2009 FIBA Americas Championship) - Dallas Mavericks guard, Jose Juan Barea, said the he could play for Puerto Rico in the 2009 FIBA Americas Championship to be played from August 26 to September 6 at Coliseo Roberto Clemente in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Barea, who underwent surgery on his left shoulder, said that he sees a lot of improvement and is doing exercise as part of the rehabilitation.

"It is better than I expected. I am already shooting and dribbling. If it was for me, I would say that I am ready to play. I am doing pushups and I could do things with the shoulder. I can lift it and the picture looks better now. I am taking it easy and doing what the doctor tells me," he said.

In the 2008-2009 NBA season Barea averaged 7.6 points and 3.4 assists in 79 games for the Dallas Mavericks.

The Puerto Rican guard has plans to go to Dallas in the next couple of weeks to undergo some evaluations and practice in order to obtain his permission to play for Puerto Rico.

"I want to play for Puerto Rico and if I feel ok I will play. I have plans to go to Dallas to train so they could see that I am completely recuperated," added Barea.

In the 2008 Centrobasket Tournament Barea led Puerto Rico with an average of 22.2 points and led the tournament in assists with 6.4.

Puerto Rico will start their practices on July 7 where over 25 players will be invited.

FIBA Americas