Team Profile - Can Puerto Rico outshine its 2022 summer success?

X'IAN (China) - Puerto Rico's basketball team is gearing up for the Olympics FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament in X'ian, China, and the spotlight is on a talented roster. Among the key players to watch are Arella Guirantes, Mya Hollingshed, Jazmon Gwathmey, and Jennifer O'Neill.

At the FIBA Basketball Women's World Cup 2022, Puerto Rico achieved its best result in the modern era by reaching the Quarter-Final round. Now, two years later, where does this squad currently stand on the global stage?

 

 

The Roster

Among the key players to watch are Arella Guirantes, Mya Hollingshed, Jazmon Gwathmey, and Jennifer O'Neill. Guirantes is a standout guard known for her scoring ability and defensive prowess. She led Puerto Rico in scoring in the FIBA Women's AmeriCup 2023 with 20.4 points per game while shooting 43.8% from beyond the arc. We also was spectacular at the FIBA Basketball Women's World Cup 2022.

Guirantes is expected to be once again the game-changer for Puerto Rico. For her part, Mya Hollingshed brings versatility to the team with her skills as a forward, capable of impacting the game on both ends of the floor. She averaged 10.7 points, 7.1 rebounds and 1.0 block per game at the FIBA Women's AmeriCup 2023.

Arella Guirantes will lead Puerto Rico's offense.

Meanwhile, Jazmon Gwathmey is a seasoned professional with a wealth of experience. She provides leadership and stability to the team. Her all-around game and big-game mentality make her a vital asset for Puerto Rico. As for Jennifer O'Neill, is a dynamic guard known for her playmaking and shooting. Her ability to control the tempo and make clutch plays will be crucial for Puerto Rico's success.

With these talented players in the lineup, Puerto Rico clearly has the potential to make it to the Olympic Games for only the second time in history.

Jennifer O'Neill should play an important role at the OQT.

The Question

France has already secured their ticket to the Olympic Games, and China, undeniably one of the two best teams globally, will be playing on their home turf. Consequently, Puerto Rico's fate hinges significantly on the outcome of the game against New Zealand. The question looms: Can Puerto Rico overcome the pressure that comes with being the favorite?

The Hope

Puerto Rico is emerging as a rising force in women's global basketball. If this golden generation secures a second consecutive qualification for the Olympic Games, it would further solidify the country's position on the world stage.

Puerto Rico aim to make a lot of noise in X'ian.

The Fear

In the 2022 World Cup, Puerto Rico claimed the third spot among the Americas, trailing behind the dominant teams of USA and Canada. However, at last year's AmeriCup, the team finished fourth, facing challenges from the same two teams and witnessing the rise of Brazil, the competition's winner.

Puerto Rico experienced defeats against Canada twice and Brazil in the Semi-Finals. To solidify their standing among the elite, they still need to demonstrate their ability to defeat a world-class squad.

 IN THE LAST 10 FIBA EVENTS

YEAR	EVENT	LOCATION	ACHIEVEMENT
2023	FIBA Women's AmeriCup	Leon (MEX)	4th
2022	FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup	Sydney (AUS)	8th
2021	FIBA Women's AmeriCup	San Juan (PUR)	2nd
2020	Olympic Games	Tokyo (JPN)	12th
2019	FIBA Women's AmeriCup	San Juan (PUR)	4th
2019	Pan American Games	Lima (PER)	3rd
2018	FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup	Tenerife (ESP)	16th
2017	Centrobasket Women's Championship	St. Thomas (ISV)	1st
2017	FIBA Women's AmeriCup	Buenos Aires (ARG)	3rd
2015	FIBA Women's AmeriCup	Edmonton (CAN)	6th

The poll

 

FIBA