PUR – Cortes in for Lee as Puerto Rico go for glory in San Domingo

SANTO DOMINGO (2010 FIBA World Championship) - Puerto Rico have had to make a late change to the squad for this week’s Centrobasket Championship in the Dominican Republic because forward Carmelo Lee has had problems renewing his passport.

The 6ft 7in Lee is a vital member of the team who played at the 2008 FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament and at last year’s FIBA Americas Championship when the team won the silver medal.

He is expected to be in the national squad this when Puerto Rico compete at the FIBA World Championship in Turkey, with that tournament tipping off in late August.

David Cortes of Capitanes de Arecibo, who had a solid post-season in the Puerto Rican play-offs, will replace Lee for the Centrobasket.

Puerto Rico coach Manolo Cintron said to El Nuevo Dia: "David has always been close to being in the national team.

“He has always been ready and will be my only bona fide three (small forward) considering the absence of Carmelo."

Cintron is very optimistic heading into the Centrobasket, with the team’s first game on Tuesday.

The top four sides will seal their places in the 2011 FIBA Americas Championship.

"In the scrimmages that we had, everyone played in the team and the arrival of Peter John (Ramos) helped us a lot,” Cintron said.

“We have no excuses.

“Once we reach our level, we will achieve our aim of gold."

FIBA