New beginning for Cuba as seven players retire from women’s national team
HAVANA (FIBA Women's AmeriCup 2017) - Cuba have begun a new chapter in their women's national team programme following the retirement of some of their biggest names.
HAVANA (FIBA Women's AmeriCup 2017) - Cuba have begun a new chapter in their women's national team programme following the retirement of some of their biggest names.
Following Cuba's title at FIBA Women's Americas Championship in 2013, the Caribbean side seemed prepared to become a dominant force in the Americas. However, a runners-up finish in their continental title defence last year, followed by a disappointing display at the FIBA Women’s Olympic Qualifying Tournament (WOQT) in June triggered the new beginning for the islanders.
Head coach Carlos Zabala came forward to announce what lies ahead for the team.
Entering his eighth year in charge of Cuba's senior women's national side, head coach Alberto Zabala is rebuilding the team.
Talking to the local press, Zabala explained that due to personal reasons as well as the age factor, Cuba will no longer count with the services of Yamara Amargo, Clenia Noblet, Oyanaisi Gelis, Suchitel Avila, Leidys Oquendo, Arlenys Romero and Arlety Povea.
"We are going to work with a group of young players namely Marlen Cepeda, Anisleydy Galindo, Fransy Ochoa, Lisdeyvi Martínez alongside our point guard Ineidis Casanova, who is currently playing professionally Maranhao Basquete in Brazil."
Both Amargo and Noblet were part of the All-Star Five at last year's continental championship.
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QUINTETO IDEAL@MeliGretter (ARG)
K.Nurse(CAN) MVP
Y.Amargo(CUB)
C.Noblet(CUB)
T.Tatham(CAN) pic.twitter.com/eVZKpMdcnV
While 31-year-old Amargo pulled out of the WOQT team because she was expecting a baby, Zabala insisted it was about time to give younger players a chance.
"We are going to the FIBA Women's AmeriCup 2017, which is a qualifier for the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2018, without high aspirations because of our young players' inexperience. But results will come at the right time and we'll be able to compete against teams like the USA, Brazil, and Canada," Zabala explained.
Noblet, a 29-year-old center, told FIBA.com: "[I had] a beautiful experience playing for Cuba. I feel that I have accomplished a lot with the team. As for my basketball future I feel that I still can play a few years, and I would to continue my professional career overseas. Maybe in the WNBA."
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