MVP Alex leads Bauru to Liga de las Americas glory
RIO DE JANEIRO (DIRECTV Liga de las Americas) - Brazil international Alex Garcia is going to have a lot of great memories to savor once his playing days come to an end.
Right now, though, even at the age of 35, retirement seems a long way off.
That is the only conclusion to draw when watching the 1.92m shooting guard play the game for his country or club side Bauru.
After helping fire the team to glory in the Liga Sudamericana at the end of 2014, Alex completed a terrific DIRECTV Liga de las Americas campaign on Sunday at the Final Four by guiding Bauru to the title.
"Baurú es el nuevo campeón de América" http://t.co/3s13I7eyoo http://t.co/bWtRzqYz2X http://t.co/T8CFZrlixZ #LDA2015
— Pick&Roll (@Pickandrollweb) March 16, 2015
The team captain had 16 points, eight assists and five rebounds as Bauru followed up an 80-61 rout of Penarol in Saturday's Semi-Final with an 86-72 triumph over Pioneros.
It was a tough game, but Bauru managed to pull away in the fourth quarter.
Alex scored 18 points, dished out six assists and corralled seven rebounds in Saturday's win.
"The whole team is to be congratulated for the victory and the brilliant campaign in the competition," he said.
"There were eight difficult games and we overcome all our opponents with the strength as a unit."
The Final against Pioneros was a tough and balanced game, but we showed that we were ready to be champions - Alex
For the second time in his career, Alex was named the MVP of the competition.
He also received the accolade at the conclusion of the 2008-09 FIBA Americas League after leading Brasilia to the title.
Fellow Brazil World Cup player Rafael Hettsheimer could very easily have scooped the MVP honor because he excelled in most of the games this season, including at the Final Four where he averaged 18.5 points and 7.5 rebounds in the two wins.
"I'm very happy to contribute with my teammates to the success of Bauru," he said.
"Since returning from Spain [Liga Endesa], we have won three major titles [Paulista, South American League and the Americas] and we will return our focus to the NBB.
Mexico international Hector Hernandez distinguished himself as one of the top players in the Americas when he had eight points and 12 boards for Pioneros in their 82-81 upset of Final Four hosts Flamengo on Saturday night.
Marquinhos was also outstanding in a losing effort with a game-high 25 points.
Justin Keenan led the Pioneros attack with 22 points on Saturday.
FIBA
