BRA - Magnano has an ‘alternative’ with naturalized Taylor

RIO DE JANEIRO (Olympics) - American Larry James Taylor is now a Brazilian.

The Baurú point guard has been naturalized and now has an opportunity to make the country's Olympic squad.

"I'm happy in Brazil," he said.

"I like it here and it would be a pleasure to play for Brazil."

National team coach Ruben Magnano, who had Taylor in his training camp before the FIBA Americas Championship in Mar del Plata, is an admirer of the playmaker but has stopped short of saying he will definitely be in the country's team that plays at the London Games.

Magnano is expected to announce his preliminary squad in two weeks.

"He's a very experienced player who dominates the game and has a very good technical quality," Magnano said.

"We also have young players in Spain doing very well in the ACB (Liga Endesa).

"We'll see in training."

Raul Neto is one of the young playmakers who is thriving in Spain at Lagun Aro GBC.

The 19-year-old, a member of the Brazil squad at the 2010 FIBA World Championship, was the final cut from last year's team that travelled to Argentina and won the silver medal.

He has played an average of 17 minutes per game in Spain's toughest league, averaging 5.9 points and 2.1 assists.

Another is Rafael Freire, the brother of Brazil women great Helen Luz.

He plays for Lucentum Alicante and is averaging 5.7 points and 1.6 assists.

The president of the Brazilian Confederation of Basketball, Carlos Nunes, said of Taylor: "There is a concrete possibility of him being drafted for our Olympic team.

"It's an alternative that we are offering to our technician Ruben Magnano.

"We are pleased and grateful for the happy outcome of the (naturalization) process."

FIBA