ARG/PUR/CAN - Lamas assessments

BUENOS AIRES (FIBA Americas Championship/FIBA Basketball World Cup) - Argentina coach Julio Lamas believes that Puerto Rico and Canada will be in the best position to capitalize on the absences of key players in other teams at the FIBA Americas Championship.

The race to the 2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup looks to be wide open, with the Dominican Republic and hosts Venezuela looking especially vulnerable.

Al Horford announced recently he won't be taking part with the Dominicans while Greivis Vasquez is a big uncertainty for hosts Venezuela as he recovers from ankle surgery.

Canada look to have one of their best-ever teams heads to the tournament, and Puerto Rico will have plenty of experience.

"For me, if Canada do well it won't be a surprise," Lamas said.

"They have everything to do well. I believe that if it's confirmed that Greivis Vasquez is out for Venezuela, the absences will favor Puerto Rico and Canada.

"They are the ones that will have the opportunity to take advantage as of now.

"We will see if there are any more surprises or not.

"This is what I think. Argentina, Brazil, the Dominican Republic and I reiterate, if Vasquez is not there, Venezuela also have absences of important players.

"Therefore, Puerto Rico and Canada will benefit."

Argentina are without Manu Ginobili, Andres Nocioni, Pablo Prigioni and Leo Gutierrez, while Carlos Delfino is expected to miss after breaking his foot in the NBA playoffs.

Arguably the most important player in the Argentina set-up is Luis Scola and he has joined the team after missing the early part of the preparations.

Even without Scola, who has been traded from the Phoenix Suns to the Indiana Pacers, Argentina played well at the Stankovic Cup in China.

"In China we defended well, the players used a lot of energy and showed dedication and that was the main reason we did a good job," Lamas said.

"We have to continue to build on the offensive end and the defensive end there are things to improve.

"Incorporating Luis and our offense is what we will focus on this month."

Argentina hosted a Super 4 Tournament over the weekend and finished third.

Scola had 21 points, six rebounds and six assists as Argentina beat Uruguay.

The NBA star didn't play in Argentina's first game in Salta, when they fell 67-55 to Mexico.

The top four sides at the FIBA Americas Championship will qualify for the 2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup.

FIBA