Isalys Quinones looks to help Puerto Rico punch Women's World Cup ticket

 MIAMI (United States) – Isalys Quinones is called one of the x-factors for Puerto Rico in the FIBA ​​Women's Basketball World Cup 2022 Qualifying Tournament. With a small team from the Caribbean, anything the center can contribute against opponents like the United States, Russia and Belgium, will be crucial to get the qualifying ticket.

“We know that we are one of the underrated teams and that it is not going to be easy at all."

Quinones, 24, has been growing in her game at the same pace as the Puerto Rican national team, which in recent years has won two gold medals at the Centrobasket Championship, a bronze at the Pan American Games, a silver in the FIBA ​​AmeriCup, as well as appearances in the 2018 World Cup and the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

The NCAA’s Dartmouth College grad, is in a sweet moment in her career. Right now she is in her second campaign in European basketball. She started the season with Tarbes from France and played in the EuroCup (13.8 points and 6.8 rebounds). She then moved to PAOK Thessaloniki from Greece where she averaged 12.0 points (39% C3) and 7.6 rebounds. What she wants most is to have a similar contribution with the Puerto Rican team to try to reach the World Cup, but she knows that it will be a very tough tournament.

“We know that we are one of the underrated teams and that it is not going to be easy at all,” Quinones said of the World Cup Qualifying Tournament. “The United States is the United States, the best team. We faced Belgium in the Olympic Games, we know what they bring and Russia is a young and strong team. It's going to be a tremendous challenge. But we have a lot of confidence in what we have been doing with the work of our coach Jerry Batista, who is tremendous. He has been like a father to us. Everyone on the team gets along very well and we have a lot of energy,” she added.

Puerto Rico wants to maintain its good streak in the international women's stage. However, regardless of what happens in the upcoming qualifier, the group aims to continue gaining ground. Just as in the Olympic tournament, which Quinones described it as a blessing.

“For me, playing in the Olympics was fulfilling a dream that I never thought would come true. It was an honor to be part of the first women's basketball team in Puerto Rico to be in that instance. It was a blessing I never thought I would have. I am very happy to be part of the history of the country I love.”

“Being there, I had the opportunity to see very famous athletes. Players like Jason Tatum, Luka Doncic or Yao Ming. For me the best part of going to the Olympics was seeing the different athletes, the different types of physiques, different types of people and of course competing in the sport that I love. All these people have worked very hard to get there. It's amazing to see that and to know that you're not the only one who has worked to achieve it. It's strange because at the same time it also makes you feel like someone normal because all those people have worked so hard, so there is an equality. That was the best for me."

Basketball for fun

The 1.93m center began playing basketball at an early age, between seven and eight years old. She also practiced other sports such as volleyball, tennis, soccer and dance, but she stayed where she began to stand out the most.

“Since I was little, my dream was to play in the WNBA, with the Los Angeles Sparks (she was born in Chula Vista, California). At first I thought I wasn't that talented, but I began to realize that I was playing well at college, then I thought I could play professionally and now I feel very good here," he said.

“I love life in Europe. The rhythm is calmer, people go out a lot to eat in restaurants. When it comes to basketball, the level is very competitive. Whether they are men's or women's games, people go to see them. I think the level in France is higher than that in Greece. I feel very grateful to have this opportunity.”

Regarding what her upcoming goals, she explains that she does not think much about it as she tries to enjoy every moment.

“I am going little by little. I did not expect to go to the Olympics and I did, now I do not know if I will go to the World Cup. For now I would like to continue playing in Europe. I play basketball for fun, not for money. Fortunately, I have other options,” assured the Engineering graduate.

Finally Quinones, aware of what this team has meant for her country, gave some advice to the young girls who come after her and who dream of being like her and her teammates.

“I tell them that everything comes with hard work. It's always easier to give up but you always have to do what you have to do. The first thing is school and always choose what they like the most”.

FIBA