USA - Bryant tells Brazil to stay calm

RIO DE JANEIRO (National team) - NBA star Kobe Bryant has advised Brazil to remain calm and balanced ahead of their last chance to make it into the Olympic Games.

The Selecao finished fourth in the FIBA Americas Championship and failed to get one of the two direct berths on offer.

Meanwhile, problems between the squad and Aluisio Ferreira raised questions about the coach's future.

The Los Angeles Lakers guard told the Lance! newspaper: "When things are not going well, the best is to let emotion pass to react with balance.

"Everything has to be done to make things improve and not make more mistakes.

"Brazil have to point at the Olympic berth and need to believe and work for that. There's a long time ahead and if they don't go on court believing in themselves, they won't go anywhere."

Bryant star praised Brazil's quality shown in Las Vegas: "It is a team with excellent players, such as (Leandro) Barbosa, Nene and some others.

"However, they seem to be in a period of rebuilding. If they have more time, they will evolve. Brazil have good individual values and play good basketball."

Matias Greco
FIBA