Venezuela's Vargas fires Marinos to title

CARACAS (2015 FIBA Americas Championship) - Throughout his career as a professional basketball player in the Americas, Gregory Vargas has developed a reputation as a top-flight guard.

The Venezuelan has excelled in leagues in Mexico, Puerto Rico and in his own country.

The 1.82m playmaker has also competed for the national team.

Vargas will enter this summer of international basketball with his confidence soaring after leading Marinos de Anzoategui to another Venezuelan league title.

He had 18 points, six assists and seven rebounds in an 85-81 Game 5 triumph over Guaros and afterwards was named as the LPB Finals MVP.

Vargas was elated with his club's latest championship, one that looked to be in jeopardy after a Guaros side coached by national team boss Nestor 'Che' Garcia prevailed in Game 3, 88-70.

But Marinos hit back with a vengeance and won Game 4, 88-68, before capturing the crown with a Game 5 victory.

"We got up and again played the way that we had all season," Vargas said.

"We have been doing this job since January.

"There was togetherness, humility, friendship - and we achieved this."

Vargas wanted to share the MVP honor with his teammates.

"I did not expect this MVP award because we have [other] great players," he said.

"I'm just proud to win, the individual accolades don't matter."

What matters is the title. - Vargas

The fact that Vargas had a big performance in the Finals suggests he will have an important role with the national team this summer when it competes at the 2015 FIBA Americas Championship in Mexico City.

Venezuela will play in Group B against Canada, Cuba, Argentina and Puerto Rico at the event, which tips off 31 August.

Someone else that is sure to have a big role for Venezuela, Gregory Echenique, had a great Game 5 for Guaros.

He poured in 23 points and collected 10 rebounds but it wasn't enough.

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

FIBA