BRA - Giovannoni may miss summer tournaments
BOLOGNA (FIBA Americas Championship) - Brazil forward Guilherme Giovannoni has had his participation at this summer's Pan American Games and FIBA Americas Championship thrown into doubt due to concerns surrounding the player's insurance
BOLOGNA (FIBA Americas Championship) - Brazil forward Guilherme Giovannoni has had his participation at this summer's Pan American Games and FIBA Americas Championship thrown into doubt due to concerns surrounding the player's insurance.
The Brazilian Basketball Confederation's insurance negotiations with Giovannoni's domestic side Virtus Bologna are believed to have stalled.
With NBA stars Nene and Leandro Barbosa tipped to miss the tournaments, Giovannoni's absence would be a further blow for Brazil coach Aluisio 'Lula' Ferreira.
Giovannoni, who played at last year's FIBA World Championship in Japan, told GloboEsporte.com: "I am obviously looking forward to being named, but it will depend on the Confederation, as insurance will have to be in order.
"The CBB have to agree with the team. This point is undoubtedly important, because it helps the player play calmer."
Brazil host the Pan American Games in Rio de Janeiro, where they will compete in Group A alongside the US Virgin Islands, Canada and Puerto Rico.
That competition will be played from July 25 to 29, while, less than a month later, they contest the FIBA Americas Championship in Las Vegas.
In that tournament, they share Group B with hosts United States, Venezuela, Canada and the US Virgin Islands.
FIBA