Vasquez, Cox and Guillent factor into the Venezuela equation

ALYTUS (Rio 2016 Olympic Games) - Everything is going according to plan for Venezuela as they prepare for their first Olympic appearance in 24 years.

Greivis Vasquez and John Cox have joined the team on their tour of Europe, although the former had to travel to New York on Tuesday to sign his NBA contract with the Brooklyn Nets. Heissler Guillent, who suffered a partial tear of his left Achilles tendon in January, an injury that required surgery, has also returned to action.

He played his first game on Tuesday night since his operation, logging 13 minutes against Belarus and helping Venezuela prevail, 68-57.

"I have a lot of enthusiasm to keep getting better. At the beginning, I felt a little nervous, but the foot responded well. I am obviously out of rhythm but I am doing okay." - Guillent

Guillent was one of the stars of Venezuela's upset of Canada in the Semi-Finals of the 2015 FIBA Americas Championship, a result that punched the team's ticket to the Rio de Janeiro Games.

He poured in 19 points against the Canadians and hit 4 of 9 shots from the arc.

"I feel content and happy," said Guillent, who did not score against Belarus.

"I have a lot of enthusiasm to keep getting better. At the beginning, I felt a little nervous, but the foot responded well. I am obviously out of rhythm but I am doing okay."

Guillent will have another opportunity to play on Thursday when Venezuela take on the Netherlands in Kedainiai.

Vasquez, meanwhile, is taking nothing for granted with respect to his place in the squad. He elected not to play last summer when Venezuela won the title in Mexico City to clinch a spot in the Olympics.

"The atmosphere with the group is very good," he said before leaving for New York. "There is a lot of harmony. Some of us have played together over the years and we have known each other since the youth categories so that gives us a lot of trust in each other.

"This tour of Europe will help us because we are going to play with teams of a great level before the Olympics." 

Cox had needed to remain in the United States because his daughter has been unwell but he is excited to be back.

"I wanted to be here before but I had problems with the health of my daughter, now she is much better," he said. "I am happy to be here with the team, excited about the preparations for the Olympics. I was able to rest after a good season that we had in Venezuela with Bucaneros."

Venezuela will face the United States, China, Australia, France and Serbia in Group A at the Olympics. Garcia's team will need a top-four finish to progress to the Quarter-Finals.

FIBA