SANTIAGO (FIBA Americas Championship for Women/FIBA World Championship for Women) - Brazil have been dealt a blow ahead of their participation at the FIBA Americas Championship for Women which tips off in Xalapa, Mexico on Saturday, after marquee player Erika Souza decided to turn down the opportunity to step out for her country in favour of continuing her work at club level in the WNBA.
Expected to be one of the headline acts at the tournament, Souza was recently called up by head coach Luiz Augusto Zanon who had been eager to bolster his relatively inexperienced South American Championship for Women podium topping team with veteran know-how.
But Zanon will now have to do without his dominant center, who is disappointed she can't be in two places at once, having previously chosen to miss WNBA play-off time in favour of pulling on the green and gold colours of her nation.
"I am very sad not to be with my companions in an important Championship that will decide our qualification for the FIBA World Championship for Women in Turkey," said Souza with notable regret.
"I would love to be with them at this time and help with all my power, as I always do.
"Unfortunately this time I can't come, because at the same time, I will be competing in the play-offs with the Atlanta Dream," explained the 31-year-old.
Zanon and the Brazil Federation were clearly hoping Souza might decide to link-up with the team by naming her on the roster, although doubts then arose when they named 13 players on the trimmed-down roster, including their frontcourt powerhouse.
With Brazil also without the firepower of another WNBA experienced player in Iziane Castro Marques, there is a relatively young and fresh feel to the roster, although the experience of veteran playmaker Adriana Pinto is likely to be exceptionally important.
Despite the loss of Souza, Brazil and Zanon will still be expected to deliver a spot for Turkey next year, something which automatically comes with a medal placing.
Brazil are in Group B with Argentina, Dominican Republic, Mexico and Puerto Rico who they face in their opening fixture on Saturday.
