Rising star Felicio replaces injured Varejao for Brazil

RIO DE JANEIRO (Rio 2016 Olympic Games) - Chicago Bulls youngster Cristiano Felicio has replaced injured Golden State Warriors center Anderson Varejao in Brazil's Olympic squad.

Varejao, a vital component in the national side since the 2002 FIBA Basketball World Cup, has been ruled out with a back problem.

Brazil were already without veteran pivot Tiago Splitter while he recovers from a hip operation, but the team does still have NBA star Nene, who played at the 2012 Olympics and the 2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup.

Now Felicio, who has featured for Brazil but not had a prominent role, has a huge opportunity to contribute to his country's Olympic campaign.

"We are saddened by the request (of Golden State) for the withdrawal of Anderson, an experienced player in the group," Brazil coach Ruben Magnano said. "But we're also happy to receive Felicio ... who was very good at Chicago and had a better participation even in the Summer League. What we have lost in experience, we have gained in youth."

Felicio appeared in 31 games for Chicago in 2015-16, his rookie campaign in the NBA, and had a couple of eye-opening performances at the end of the season.

He was a combined 13 of 15 from the floor for 32 points in wins over Cleveland and New Orleans on 9 April and 11 April, respectively.

Felicio recently had a a very strong performance for the Bulls' Summer League team.

FIBA