PUR - Sanchez finger woe

SAN JUAN (FIBA Americas Championship/FIBA Basketball World Cup) - Ricky Sanchez has been a big part of Puerto Rico's national team since 2007, when the Boricuas captured a bronze medal at the FIBA Americas Championship.

A 2.12m forward, Sanchez has the size to play inside but also possesses a deft shooting touch and is a threat to bury 10- to 15-footers.

He's also important defensively, which is why new coach Paco Olmos is hoping Sanchez will be available this summer at the FIBA Americas Championship when Puerto Rico take on Uruguay, Canada, Jamaica and Brazil in Group A.

The problem is, Sanchez has a finger injury that may require surgery and prevent him from taking part.

"For now Ricky has indicated that he will not play," Olmos said of the 26-year-old.

"For me, he is an important piece...but we must wait to see what doctors recommend and see what he decides."

Sanchez's agent, Luis Vargas Pito, said in the Puerto Rican media: "So far, Ricky wants to play but it depends on the medical advice he receives."

The player averaged 6.7 points and 4.7 rebounds at the 2012 FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament.

Puerto Rico will be looking to claim a top-four finish at the FIBA Americas Championship in Caracas, Venezuela, which gets underway 30 August.

If they do, the Boricuas will punch their ticket for the World Cup.

Puerto Rico played at every FIBA World Championship from 1986 to 2010.

FIBA