Dominican Republic hoping superstar Horford will be in China

SANTO DOMINGO (Dominican Republic) -The Dominican Republic haven't announced their squad for this summer's FIBA Basketball World Cup yet but this much we do know, that Al Horford will have a spot if he so desires.

The 32-year-old last represented his homeland at the 2012 FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament and while the Dominicans looked strong at the 2014 World Cup in Spain without their NBA star, reaching the Round of 16, they would welcome the 12-year NBA veteran back with open arms.

The director of the Dominican Republic national team, Eduardo Najri, made it clear in March that the Puerto Plata-born Horford is in his thoughts, as are Minnesota's Karl-Anthony Towns and Los Angeles Clipper Angel Delgado.

"The percentage (of each playing) is high," Najri said to Nuevo Dia. "I feel very confident ... We maintain communication with all our players around the world so they are well informed. I understand that we are going to take our best team."

Horford is the biggest basketball star to ever come out of the Dominican Republic, which is obvious when he pops on television screens in ad campaigns.

There would be elation among fans in Santo Domingo if the terrific defender, rebounder, scorer and leader who is on the books of the Boston Celtics, were to make the trip to China where the Dominican Republic will face France, Germany and Jordan in Group G.

Here's what Horford did in the past for the Dominican Republic.

2008 Centrobasket, Mexico

Horford flat out dominated, averaging 14.4 points and 9.8 rebounds to help the team finish third.

2009 FIBA AmeriCup

The Dominicans just missed out on qualification for the 2010 FIBA Basketball World Cup after falling to Canada, 80-76, in their last game.

Horford had 14 points and 14 rebounds in the loss to Canada

2011 FIBA AmeriCup

Horford enjoyed his finest hour for his country, averaging in 19.0 points and 9.2 rebounds per contest. In the Third-Place Game victory over Puerto Rico, Horford had 23 points, 12 rebounds, 7 assists, 2 steals and 2 blocks.

Horford was a dominant player in Argentina during FIBA AmeriCup 2011 

2012 Centrobasket

Horford led his country to the top of the podium, averaging 17 points and 10 rebounds. The Dominicans didn't lose a game.

2012 FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament

In arguably the toughest competition he'd been a part of, Horford averaged 18 points and 9 rebounds but the Dominicans lost to Russia, Lithuania and Nigeria and came up short of the London Games.

Horford had 12 points and 7 rebounds against Nigeria in 2012 in his last game with the national team

FIBA