RIO DE JANEIRO (FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament) - Brazil coach Paulo Bassul has confirmed that Adrianinha, Kelly da silva Santos, Erika de Souza and Iziane Castro Marques will only link up with the national team shortly before the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Madrid.
All four are playing in the WNBA.
“The only doubt that remains is whether Graziane, who still doesn’t know the exact date of when she will finish her Hungarian league campaign with MiZo Pecs,” Bassul said.
“The pre-Olympic tournament will not be easy, but we have chances to take one of the Olympic spots. Brazil has talented players and players who have a lot of enthusiasm to go to Beijing.
“I believe we will achieve our aim.”
Brazil are in the same group with Spain and Fiji.
The top two sides will then advance to a quarter-final against Belarus, Cuba or Chinese Taipei.
The four quarter-final winners seal a place in Beijing, while the quarter-final losers will battle it out for the remaining spot.
Before the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament, Brazil will take part in the South American Championship in Ecuador looking for their 22nd title.
Brazil have won 57 consecutive games in the South American Championship.
FIBA
