FIBA Basketball

    Mexico's Hernandez looks ahead to Olympic Qualifiers

    MEXICO CITY (FIBA) - Hector Hernandez has provided plenty of points for Mexico the past few summers to help the Tri solidify its status as a leading team in the Americas. The Chihuahua-born power forward

    MEXICO CITY (FIBA) - Hector Hernandez has provided plenty of points for Mexico the past few summers to help the Tri solidify its status as a leading team in the Americas.

    The Chihuahua-born power forward plans to keep doing more of the same with Mexico, the No. 19 side in the FIBA World Ranking, still in the hunt for a spot in the Rio de Janeiro Games.

    By reaching the Semi-Finals at the 2015 FIBA Americas Championship, Mexico guaranteed themselves a spot in one of next year's three FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournaments (OQTs).

    The winners of each OQT will punch their tickets for Rio.

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    Mexico, who staged the Americans Championship this summer in Mexico City, are among the 10 sides hoping to host one of the six-team OQTs.

    "We fought for the classification but unfortunately, things did not work out," the 30-year-old said.

    "We didn't obtain a ticket this summer but we hope we will get one next summer."

    Hernadez has been a linchpin for the national team the past few years, providing toughness and a very good three-point shot.

    After helping the Tri win the 2013 FIBA Americas Championship by averaging 11.3 points and 5.7 rebounds while shooting 35.7 percent (15 of 42) from long range, Hernandez impressed at the 2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup.

    Hector Hernandez (MEX) plays defense at Spain 2014

    At the 24-team tournament in Spain, Hernandez shot a scintillating 42.9 percent (12 of 28) from behind the arc while averaging more than nine points and five rebounds per contest.

    In a pivotal game against Angola, Hernandez drilled six three pointers and poured in a game-high 24 points as Mexico won 79-55, a result that helped them advance to the Round of 16.

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    Hernandez came up huge in a vital 92-86 triumph over Puerto Rico that helped Mexico reach the Semi-Finals of the 2015 FIBA Americas Championship.

    In that win, the 2.04m Hernandez was four of eight from the arc and scored 28 points while corralling 12 rebounds.

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    With the OQTs not that far away (4-10 July), there is little wonder why the Mexico fans are already thinking about international basketball.

    They are weighing up their team's chances.

    One thing that should help Mexico is continuity, with Sergio Valdeolmillos expected to return to coach and veterans like Hernandez saying they want to play.

    The presence on the Mexico bench of Valdeolmillos, who was recently put in charge of Marinos de Anzoategui in Venezuela, is a must for some of the players.

    "If Valdeolmillos does not return, I don't think I will be in the national team," Hernandez said.

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