Juan Toscano-Anderson on Mexico at the World Cup: ''That is the one and only goal''

MIAMI (United States) - Juan Toscano-Anderson may not be available to help Mexico in their final two upcoming qualifying games, but he has high hopes that the guys who will be playing can get the job done.

"It's going to be very intense, and those games are probably the most important in the last couple of years for the national team, but I think the guys will be ready for what is coming," said Toscano. "The goal is to win, there are no other options on the table because we want to go to the FIBA World Cup."

"The last window and the two games left are going to be tough battles, and I send a lot of positive energy, love and support to my guys that will give 100 percent to make history for our fantastic country. Shout out to the guys that will go to Colombia and Uruguay, you guys can make this happen!"

Toscano won't be available to play in this final window of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 Americas Qualifiers, as he is in the middle of his fourth NBA season, where he was recently traded from the Los Angeles Lakers to the Utah Jazz.

The 29-year-old suited up in one game for Mexico back in the August 2022 window of the qualifiers where Mexico lost a heartbreaker to Colombia in overtime, 93-89.

 

In that first game for him with the national team since playing eight games at the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 Americas Qualifiers, Toscano fouled out of the game in 26:16 on the court, but he had a balanced stat line of 9 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists and 3 steals, also knocking down three triples.

Despite not being with the team for this final window, Toscano still wants to represent Mexico again in the future, particularly at the World Cup.

"I would love to play for the national team again soon and compete with my brothers in a competition like the FIBA World Cup," he said. "Competing in the highest stages is something very special, and playing with the national team jersey on me is something special, something unique."

"I would like to help the guys this summer if we reach a spot in the World Cup, that is a goal for me."

Mexico currently sit in fourth place in Group F with a record of 6-4 and are right on the bubble of qualifying. The top three teams from Groups E and F will qualify from the Americas, along with the best fourth place team.

If Mexico can indeed punch their ticket to the FIBA Basketball World Cup that will be played later this year in the Philippines, Japan and Indonesia, Toscano has an idea of what Mexico's goals would be.

"Do our best there and to compete 100 percent at every single game. We want to keep improving and playing against the best teams in the world," he said. "I also think that it would help us all, keep learning and working as a team and show the younger generations that we all can make it to the world stage, with hard work and dedication."

"Competing in the FIBA World Cup is something unique, because there are so many teams that want to qualify for the tournament but very few make it, and it's a short tournament so you have to bring your 'A' game right away. If we qualify, we will go there to compete, and take it game by game trying to have a great tournament."

Toscano sees the opportunity of Mexico participating in a World Cup important for basketball's development in the country, especially since Mexico missed out on qualifying for the 2019 edition.

"I think it would be a fantastic opportunity for the development and also for having more and more people playing the game in Mexico," he said. "When you see players, your compatriots playing the game against the best guys in the world, on the world stage, that inspires, that creates love for people to take a ball and shoot some hoops."

"I would really love to see Mexico qualify, for our team's development and to keep improving and reach our full potential. When you play together, and you compete against top competition, you get better, and you learn a lot faster. Our goal is to have more and more basketball and keep feeling the love from our fellow Mexican fans, wherever they live."

Circling back to the younger generations and helping make an impact that Toscano mentioned, he takes pride in the fact that he has taken on the role of being a current ambassador for Mexican basketball, as he is only one of five Mexican players to ever play on the biggest stage in the NBA, alongside Eduardo Najera (619 games), Gustavo Ayon (135 games), previous teammate and current member of Mexico's national team Jorge Gutierrez (47 games) and Horacio Llamas (28 games).

He also became the first player of Mexican descent to win an NBA title when he did so with the Golden State Warriors last season.

"I take it very seriously and I hope to bring people in Mexico to be more and more fans of the game," he said. "Basketball is beautiful, and being someone that can inspire and make other people believe in their own talent is such a beautiful thing."

"I am a proud Mexican, I love the country, I love my fellow compatriots, and to be able to be seen as an example for the youth, is such a blessing. I want to make the people of Mexico proud and show them that with hard work and commitment, you can reach your goals."

Mexico will face two tough battles in a couple weeks and will first be in action away from home against Colombia on February 23, before following that up with another road game against Uruguay on February 26.

Mexico can't qualify on February 23 even with a victory and will likely also need other teams to lose, meaning it will all come down to the final gameday.

"I think that the guys have to be locked in and try to not pay attention to the crowds and the fans surrounding them," Toscano advised. "Or, use the energy to change the environment into something that helps them, like defending hard and putting intensity to have the opponents not put their game plan into action. It's an exciting challenge, and I know that the guys can make it work and win both in Colombia and in Uruguay."

"It's important to stay focused and execute the game plan. The mental part is very important in these kinds of games, as the opponents also want to win. Winning those games is crucial, and this is a mission, an important mission facing us, and we can do it and punch a ticket to the FIBA World Cup this summer. That is the one and only goal."

FIBA