VEN - Think big after mission accomplished

MAR DEL PLATA (FIBA Americas Championship) – Venezuela had two goals before FIBA Americas Championship: clinching a berth for the Olympic Qualifying tournament and starting a long-term process with a young talented team.

Both goals were accomplished.

With the last 92-80 win over Uruguay, Venezuela ended the tournament with a 4-4 record and a ticket to next year’s 12-team qualifier that will give three more spots for the London Games.

The three most talented players averaged double figures in scoring.

Greivis Vásquez led the side with 19,3 points per game and added 5,8 assists. Oscar Torres had 12,6 points, while Héctor Romero recovered from a knee injury to add 12 points per game.

But it was David Cubillan Venezuela’s X factour of the tournament. The 24-year old point guard contributed 13,1 points, almost five assists and only two turnovers per game.

Veteran Oscar Torres showed his happiness after the game but also moderation as he expected even more from the team.

“It’s always good accomplishing a goal, especially because people weren’t expecting this young team to make it. But we had a good chance to be part of the four top teams,” said Torres.

On the contrary, Romero was moved by the team's efforts.

“I couldn’t be more proud of all my teammates. We are a young team but we know exactly what we want and we work hard in order to achieve any goal,” explained Pepito, as he is known in Latin America.

“We have to think big from now on,” added the player who was walking on crutches two months ago and played all of the eight FIBA Americas’ games.

FIBA