BRA – Leandro Barbosa fear for Brazil

RIO DE JANEIRO (FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament for Men) – Anderson Varejao and Nene are out of the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament for Brazil, and NBA superstar Leandro Barbosa could be as well because of a knee injury.

The high-scoring guard of the Phoenix Suns is desperate to travel to Greece with the Brazilians where they are hoping to claim one of three places still up for grabs for the Beijing Games.

He met with national team coach Moncho Monsalve and said: "It was a very productive meeting and we clarified certain points.

“He seems a very good person who is ready to work to help Brazil qualify for the Olympics.”

As for his own status, Barbosa said: “I am having some pain in my right knee and Phoenix want me to undergo tests to see if I need surgery.

“I will go to the United States to have those tests. If I am given the all clear, I will return to Brazil.”

Barbosa find himself in a difficult position that numerous leading international stars have.

Clubs are anxious for them to be fully fit for the next season but to represent one’s country is a great honor for many.

“If it was down to me, I would be here on the date set to join the national team and defend my country,” Barbosa said.

“But I have this problem and I have to follow the club's recommendations.

“God willing, everything will be okay and I will be able to help Brazil reach the Olympics. It's a dream that I really want to achieve and I haven’t yet."

Monsalve has plenty of reasons to remain optimistic because of the presence of veterans like Marcelo Huertas, Marcelinho, Alex and Tiago Splitter.

But the loss of Barbosa would certainly be something he would like to avoid.

"Barbosa has asked me to see if I can wait until the 16th (June) for him to join the team in training,” Monsalve said.

“He seemed determined to play for the national team but at this time, he needs to follow his club's decisions.

“It's clear that the team will be without a great talent if we had to do without him, but we will continue to work hard.”

FIBA