Meet Gerson Domingos - The face of Angola's new generation

LUANDA (FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 African Qualifiers) - As Angola continue to fight for a ticket for the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019, Gerson Domingos has been a breath of fresh air for the former African champions. 

For a man who was only 17-years-old when his country last won a FIBA AfroBasket in 2013, Domingos has become the face of Angola's new generation. 

With nine games into the World Cup African Qualifiers, the 6ft (1.80m) point guard has started in all but two games, making him a key element for the Angolans.

"I have been working extremely hard to be in the position that I am now, but all I really want is to help my country qualify for the World Cup," he said to FIBA.basketball when asked about his integration into a team that includes a number of experienced veterans. 

With a 6-3 record ahead of the second leg of Group E of the World Cup Qualifiers next month, the Angolans look strong to secure one of the five tickets available for African teams for the 32-nation World Cup in China and Domingos insists he will do everything he possibly can to make it happen.

If Angola make it to the China 2019 showdown, it will be their fifth straight World Cup appearance. "That's a respectable record," Domingos says. "That's my personal goal also. I want to play on big stages not only at club level but also with my national team.

"All we want is to qualify for China 2019" added the Inter Clube de Luanda player, who might have played his best game with the Angolan senior team in an 83-76 win over Cameroon last month.

 

And, all fairness, the 22-year-old guard has been building his name for himself.

Named Most Valuable Player at FIBA Africa U18 Championship 2014, Domingos notes that representing his country is one of the most important things in his career. "I have been playing for my country since a young age, and it gives me a special feeling, to carry the name Angola on my chest wherever we play. 

 

"I have always dreamed of playing against the best teams in the world, and if I am healthy, I will do everything to keep the Angolan flag flying high. We have a history of playing at big basketball events and I hope to be part of Angola's successful history," said the man who made his debut with the senior team at the Belgrade FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament 2016.

Domingos currently averages six points and three assists per game, but he recognizes that he still has a lot to improve.

 "I can be a better player, and playing international games with my national team is the best way to improve my game," he said.

He recalls that Angola have been blessed with fine point guards in the past, and names Miguel Lutonda, Armando Costa as some of his references growing up.

"Absolutely, those guys inspired me in shaping up my game," explained the left-handed guard. 

FIBA