Brazil seek revenge at the AmeriCup

MEDELLIN (FIBA AmeriCup 2017) - Since the beginning of the FIBA Continental Tournaments, Brazil has constantly reached the highest places.

However, at the last two events that level wasn't showcased, and Brazil was eliminated surprisingly early at the early rounds of Caracas 2013 and Mexico City 2015.

On both occasions, Brazil opted to build teams with no renowned players, something that will happen again at this AmeriCup 2017. But this time, there's the will and the goal of fighting for a spot at the podium.

“We have to improve what we've been doing. It didn't go well for us at the last Copa América. It's good motivation to get a fine result here and see the new talents. Those are the aspects to deal with,” said Brazilian Forward Leandro Meindl.

Brazil are four-time Americas champions, a feat that is only surpassed by the United States’ six gold medals. Nonetheless, the South American team have not reached the podium since their silver medal of 2011.

“It's a new team and we want to give a fresh look to the national team, so we're starting with this championship. If we reach the Final Four, it’ll be very positive for the team and our country,” Small Forward Bruno Caboclo assured. He’ll debut in this tournament with the Verdeamarela.

Brazil historically has been a great pool of basketball talent, with many players in Europe and others at the NBA, who have been an essential part of the current national team. This time around, 10 of the 12 team-members come from the Brazilian league, except for Caboclo (Toronto Raptors) and Point Guard George de Paula (Houston Rockets).

“It's a different moment. This is the beginning of a new Olympic cycle in which we must use new players for the national team. It's important in order to adapt to the international game,” said Coach César Guidetti, who will debut at this tournament as the head of the senior team.

As a matter of fact, Guidetti is replacing Argentine Rubén Magnano, who held the reigns of the Brazilians from 2010 to 2016.

“This is a great moment and responsibility. At the same time, it’s a pleasure to be picked to represent our country,” stated Guidetti, who says is not nervous before his debut against Colombia.

“No, just the anxiety common to any game. Representing a nation is exciting, but after the game begins, everything is left aside,” said Guidetti.

Also, Caboclo —probably the side’s main and most promising figure— pointed out this new group's strengths.

“We have tall, agile, very good players. In three or four years Brazil will have a complete team that will have another level of basketball,” said the player. He's confident in the team's rebuilding. “An important transition is taking place right now. The young players that are coming up are very good. There are other players that could've been here,” the 21-year old and 6’8” Caboclo assured.

In their first AmeriCup match, Brazil will have to face hosts Colombia, which might seem as an easy victory, but the Brazilians are cautious.

“It’ll be a tough game. They're in their home court and they've prepared well. We have to put the team first and get that first victory,” commented Meindl. “Because we're young, we have to play the physical game, run a lot, and work the ball well. We bet on those tactics and I believe we have a chance to be in the Finals,” he concluded.

FIBA