With the urgency to win and without the main weapon – the sixth man from the Roberto Clemente Coliseum – the men’s national basketball team debuts today against Mexico in the last FIBA qualifying window for the AmeriCup 2022 tournament.
Puerto Rico – who have had almost two weeks of training and will once again have their captain, José Juan Barea, and Shabazz Napier’s debut – must secure a Group D victory to stay in the fight for one of the three tickets available for competition.continental.
Casiano – who knows the Mexican team very well – said the training was “extraordinary” and that he had the resources – despite the loss of pivot Jorge Brian Díaz and striker Isaiah Piñeiro – to present a “good show” at the door. in the capital’s stadium.
“The players were super-disciplined, emotional and all very positive. It is a different group because, logically, we lack what we have always lacked, namely stature. But we have speed (with) the middle players. We have the inclusion of Barea and Shabazz, as well as Gian (Clavell), who comes from Russia. We have a fairly balanced and complete team to make a good and dignified representation, as all Puerto Ricans deserve, “the Puerto Rican leader said in a press conference on Thursday.
The former national team player understands that this “good, young, enthusiastic and disciplined” group, as described by his 12 players called up for this third window, will be able to defeat Mexico and the Bahamas on Saturday.
In addition to Barea, Napier and Gian Clavell, there are also Gilberto Clavell, Emmy Andújar, Ramón Clemente, Chris Ortiz, Devon Collier, José “Money” Rodríguez, Iván Gandía, Isaac Sosa and Timajh Parker-Rivera.
“I understand that we are perfectly capable of competing well. These two weeks of practice were very good for us. I think that’s how you should always work. We are quite well prepared to give a good show, “he added.
However, Casiano acknowledged that both teams will be difficult to break and that the Puerto Ricans will have to adapt their game due to lack of stature.
Thinking first of the Mexicans, they will have the giant Gustavo Ayón, who has a height of 6’8 ”. Mexico comes from a comfortable overtaking of Puerto Rico 81-56 in the second window played in Indianapolis.
“The Mexican (team list) found out on Wednesday. I know the players. They are very strong inside. You need to see how the leader will use them. I know Omar Quintero. I know how it works. I know he’s a good coach. A leader of the classic; the old school that will be played “inside”. He will do many things that (Gustavo) Ayón usually does to put him as he is in the group. It’s a very dangerous team. That we know it’s going very hard for offensive recoveries. Very aggressive on defense. We need to get back as a family. I believe that the responsibility should not be limited to the four and five; there must be one, two and three. If we dominate the tables, we must have light baskets “, Casiano analyzed.
On the Napier-Barea duo, the veteran coach said that they will make a good couple.
“Shabazz, who is part of a great player with a lot of experience, will take on the role of any goalkeeper, as Gary Browne had in previous tournaments, who has to lead the game and defensively has to control his position and make a couple good with Barea. Maybe I can start with them as someone leaves the bank. But it is rather what he has always done. Distribute candy to all the players and defend the defender so that he doesn’t hurt me in that position of one “, he added.
Puerto Rico is third in Group D with a 1-3 record, as is Bahamas, which is fourth. In turn, Mexico is second with 2-2, and the United States is already ranked 4-0.
Both games are scheduled for 21:00 and will be broadcast on WAPA Deportes.