DOM - Big step forward for Dominican Basketball

MAR DEL PLATA (FIBA Americas Championship) - John Calipari had trouble to adapt to FIBA Basketball. But once he made it, Dominican Republic became one of the top-contenders to clinch an Olympic spot in FIBA Americas. They missed it only by one position.

"We played well, but we lost intensity by the end of the game and paid the price by losing the semifinal against Brazil," said Calipari.

Despite the team's third place, the American-born coach thinks this is just the beginning of success for Dominican basketball.

"This group will be an example for future teams because we worked on four key points to make it successful: defence, rebounding, team-work and keep the intensity until the end of the game," said Calipari, one of only two coaches to direct three colleges to a number one seed in the American NCAA tournament.

Jack Michael Martínez fully agreed with Calipari.

"This is a big step forward for Dominican Basketball.

"We will go next year to try to clinch a spot in the Olympic Qualifier, but we need all of our efforts to continue on the same line, add other experienced players around the world, keep the group and the coach, if possible," said the team's captain after FIBA Americas ended.

One of the players in question was Charlie Villanueva, who made his National Team debut in FIBA Americas. As the team leader, Martínez expressed his opinion about the Milwaukee Bucks player.

"Charlie has matured a little bit as a FIBA player, which is not the same than NBA basketball; he has to play more physical, get more rebounds, play stronger and be careful of the offensive foul.

"He has learnt most of those things," said JMM.

According to captain Martínez, something has changed forever.

"We turned on a little light. We hope we can keep it on and this will be just the beginning of great things."

FIBA