Winning mindset crucial for Angola at AfroBasket 2015

LUANDA (AfroBasket 2015) - Leonel Paulo was a regular member of the Angolan national team until the moment he was forced to sit out the 2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup.

A year ago, Paulo fractured his right hand during the Angolan Banco BIC league final-four opener against Inter de Luanda, but, despite his recovery in a record time, the Petro de Luanda swingman still watched from home as his countrymen have their worst World Cup campaign ever.

Paulo feels it is time to move on from Spain 2014, and get ready for AfroBasket 2015, a qualifier for the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics.

The 29-year-old is playing at his best again and hopes he'll have a chance to return to the Angolan team, which has been drawn in the upcoming AfroBasket Group B along with Morocco, Mozambique and team to be determined from the wild card process later this month.

"In Tunisia, Angola will try to remain focused in order stay on the top of the tournament," Paulo said to FIBA.com.

Angola have faced Morocco and Mozambique in the last two editions (2011 and 2013) of Africa's top basketball competition.

Paulo knows what he is talking about when he refers to those two teams: "Group B is a tough one, and it could become even more difficult if Senegal get a wild card and are added to our group.

After missing out on qualification for the London Games, I would love to help my country to get back in Rio de Janeiro 2016 - Paulo

"Looking back at our latest results against Mozambique, they have improved because they became more difficult to beat.

"Morocco always bring a big and very good team. They are one of those African teams, who always try to beat us," Paulo explained.

Only the wining team at this summer's AfroBasket qualifies directly for the Rio Games, while the teams that finish second and third could have a second-chance in the 12-team FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament.

At AfroBasket 2013 in Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire, Paulo had his best showing against Morocco in a Quarter-Finals's 95-73 win. 

Paulo, who featured at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, believes he could be helpful for the Angolans in future international competitions.

Despite Angola's 11 continental titles in 13 African Championships since 1989, some on the continent tend to applaud the Angolans for their organisation and investment in basketball, rather than their talent.

The athletic 1.94m forward has an explanation: "We are always the team to beat in the African Championship.

"Each and everyone of us always go to the national team highly-motivated and ready to keep our winning mindset, and this makes us different from other African teams."

FIBA