NBA players dominate Brazil’s basketball team for the London Olympics 2012 – NBA Update
Brazil’s preparations for the London Olympics 2012 have gathered pace as the event draws near and the nation announced a preliminary basketball team on Thursday. Unsurprisingly, NBA players’ standout as the biggest names among the 15 called up by national
team coach Ruben Magnano.
The 4 players from the NBA who are on the team are Nene, Anderson Varejao, Leandro Barbosa and Tiago Splitter.
Nene is an accomplished centre in the NBA who spent the majority of his career playing for the Denver Nuggets until they traded hum away to the Washington Wizards at the trade deadline. Leandro Barbosa plays for the Indiana Pacers after leaving the Toronto
Raptors midseason.
He played an important part in the Pacers recent playoffs victories over the mighty Miami Heat and could be involved in the next round as well judging by the way his team are playing.
These two players were in doubt to be given a call up earlier because they had requested not to take part in pre-Olympic tournament for Brazil. Coach Ruben however, after speaking with the duo, made the final decision to bring them in, despite earlier criticism
from fans and fellow players.
""I decided to give them another chance after personally talking to them," Magnano said. ""I wouldn't call up a player if I didn't have any trust in him."
Anderson Varejao represents the Cleveland Cavaliers in the NBA and played a decent part in their campaign until a late season injury forced him to sit out the closing games. He was very excited to be part of Brazil’s team, saying that it had been a dream.
""This has been a long-time dream of mine," Varejao said. ""I've played in a lot of competitions with Brazil, but playing in the Olympics is different. I'm very motivated. I think we have a group capable of fighting for a medal in London."
Tiago Splitter is with the San Antonio Spurs and playing his part as the Spurs continue to dominate in the Western Conference playoffs.
One player that will not be making the trip to London for Brazil is Rafael Hettsheimer. Based in Spain, Rafael suffered an injury and the subsequent surgery has ruled him out.
"Unfortunately it seems we will not be able to count on him because of the surgery, which would virtually end his chances of staying with the team," Magnano said.
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