Giovannoni brings experience to Brazil’s Olympic roster

RIO DE JANEIRO (Rio 2016 Olympic Games) – Brazilian Basketball is days away from one of its most important challenges. The country will host the Olympic Games and that creates expectations for an outstanding participation.

Thinking of this challenge, Brazil coach Ruben Magnano named not only the best players but when assembling the final squad, he placed a premium on experience.

"I have a specific role in the team. The idea is to help in any way I can. I will try to contribute to the team with all the experiences I have lived." - Giovannoni

Guilherme Giovannoni is one of those with a lot of games in the Brazil shirt. He is one of the leaders of the Olympic medal-seeking Brazilian Team.

"I face this new international competition in a very positive way, with great enthusiasm," said Giovannoni. "The truth is that I have a good moments with the younger players and it’s a source of pride to still be in the National Team. Much more, when we are getting ready to live the Olympic Games at our country."

Guilherme sums 14 years with the Brazilian National Team, playing at four FIBA Basketball World Cups and participating at the 2012 Olympic Games.

"I have a specific role in the team. The idea is to help in any way I can. I will try to contribute to the team with all the experiences I have lived. I have a role in the team's rotation, my responsibility will be to spread the floor with my outside shot," added the player of Brasilia’s UniCEUB.

Brazil will be without pivot Tiago Splitter, who is recovering from hip surgery. But now the team suffered another important loss, after it was confirmed that Anderson Varejao will miss the Olympics due to injury.

"There’s no doubt that Tiago and Anderson are important losses, but we have a good team, despite those losses. We have trained very hard for a month, and that gave us the confidence we need for the competition. The dominant win over Australia shows our possibilities and that we are on the right track," said Guilherme.

Brazil prepares for what many imagine to be a very demanding Group B that also features Argentina, Spain, Lithuania, Croatia and Nigeria.

"It will be a very tough group. We are committed to have the best highest record possible. We know that if we do that we won’t face the United States in the quarterfinals, and that increases our chances for the future," said Guilherme.

For over a decade Brazil has had in its mist a generation of excellent players and perhaps, these Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro will become the perfect opportunity for the team to achieve a high-impact performance.

"We are aware that this is a great opportunity for us and we will take advantage of the host factor. We will have the massive support of our fans, and we will take advantage of that to complete the great task we all wish,” concluded Guilherme.

FIBA