VEN - Cerdeno - We fear no-one

CRIKVENICA (FIBA World Championship) - Venezuela youngster Carlos Cerdeno may be preparing for his first major tournament with the national team at the FIBA World Championship but he is not afraid one little bit.

The South Americans have been drawn in Group A alongside two-time reigning champions Serbia & Montenegro, 2002 runners-up and Olympic champions Argentina, France, Lebanon and Nigeria.

Yet despite a run of 11 defeats in their warm-up games, the 20-year-old Cerdeno insists Venezuela fear no-one.

"I'm satisfied with the job the team did, both defensively and offensively," he told the Venezuelan Basketball Federation’s official website.

"However, we’ve been a bit inconsistent in all the games. Sometimes we play two quarters good and the other two bad.

"In the World Championship, things will be different. We are focused on clinching the victories we need.

"We are humble, we don’t fear any name, any team or any player," he added. "We’ll look for a win against all our opponents - whoever they are."

Despite his inexperience at this level, Cerdeno believes he is well prepared and knows the job expected of him.

"I have no pressure because I know the job I have to do in this team," he said.

"Coaches have talked to me a lot and I try to do everything correctly - as they tell me.

"To be here representing my country is something very important in my short career and I feel very good."

Venezuela tip-off against Lebanon on Saturday.

By PA Sport