Uruguay impress in games against Argentina, Brazil

MONTEVIDEO (2015 FIBA Americas Championship) - Uruguay have been putting on everyone on notice of late that they are going to be very difficult opponents at the FIBA Americas Championship in Mexico City.

That is true despite the loss of key players Esteban Batista and Jayson Granger.

Complications regarding his move to Chinese club, Chongqing, led to Batista's withdrawal from the squad while a back injury has knocked the latter out.

Even so, Uruguay put on a couple of impressive performances against South American heavyweights Argentina and Brazil in the Super Challenge that was played in Brasilia.

Adrian Capelli's side defeated Argentina, 84-78, but fell to Brazil, 83-81, despite getting 21 points from Bruno Fitipaldi.

"The balance was really positive, to have the opportunity to play two friendlies with very important national teams like Argentina and Brazil was really good for us," Capelli said.

"It was a good indicator to know where we are, seeing as both teams had just played at the Pan American Games where they had shown great potential."

To have played against them (Argentina and Brazil) at the same level was really positive. - Capelli

Capelli will lead Uruguay against Mexico, Panama, the Dominican Republic and Brazil in Group A of the FIBA Americas Championship.

Uruguay will be hoping to either clinch a spot in the Rio de Janeiro Games or the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament when they compete in Mexico at the Americas Championship.

Argentina and Brazil will be tough teams in Mexico.

"We know the potential that Argentina and Brazil have," Capelli said.

"The Albiceleste (Argentina) had 18 players (squad). They rotate just as Brazil do.

"In fact, Brazil were the Pan American Games champions and we played against their core players.

"They are two national teams that are going to be in the fight at the Pre-Olympic Tournament."

Go to fiba.com/Americas2015 for full coverage of the 2015 FIBA Americas Championship.

FIBA