BRA – Nene included in Brazil preliminary squad

RIO DE JANEIRO (FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament) - Cancer survivor Nene has been included in Brazil’s 14-man preliminary squad for the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament.

Nene, the Denver Nuggets center who missed a lot of action this season after having a surgery for testicular cancer, eventually returned to the NBA team and played some games but it is still unclear if he will be available to help Brazil try to reach the Beijing Games.

National team coach Moncho Monsalve, a Spaniard who was handed the national team reins in January, is very optimistic about this summer.

Cleveland big man Anderson Varejao, Phoenix Suns guard Leandro Barbosa, Tau Ceramica center Tiago Splitter and Bilbao point guard Marcelo Huertas are among those in the group.

"With these players, we have an excellent national team from an individual point of view but more importantly from a team point of view,” Monsalve said.

“We have playmakers and forwards with a lot of versatility and strong centers who are talented.

"I am certain we have a chance to clinch one of the three spots for the Olympics in Beijing."

Brazil are in Group A with tournament hosts Greece, and Lebanon.

Veteran shooting guard/small forward Marcelinho Machado is desperate to play in China.

"It's a very important moment for our basketball," Marcelinho said.

"I believe in this team. We have quality, potential and a lot of enthusiasm to clinch a place in the Olympics.

"With good work, we will arrive in Greece in the best conditions to seal our passport to Beijing."

Monsalve will be allowed to take 12 players to Athens.

Brazil preliminary squad: Tiago Splitter, Rafael Araujo, Maybyner Hilario (Nene), Murilo Becker, Anderson Varejao, Paulao Sergio Prestes, Joao Paulo Batista, Guilherme Giovannoni, Marcus Vinicius, Marcelo Machado (Marcelinho), Leandro Barbosa (Leandrinho), Alex Garcia, Marcelo Huertas, Valter Apolinario.

FIBA