RIO DE JANEIRO (FIBA World Championship for Women) - Anyone that has been monitoring events in Brazil this winter will know they mean business heading into the FIBA World Championship for Women.
The new coach of the team, Spaniard Carlos Colinas, has been busy scouting his own players, and those of Brazil's potential opponents.
So far, he says, there is nothing to dislike about his new position.
"Generally speaking, the image that I have of the country is excellent," he said.
"The CBB (Brazilian Basketball Confederation) is very receptive to new projects and changes aimed at improving Brazilian basketball more and more.
"It is essential that everyone feels part of the job, because the goal is one: to lead Brazil to the top."
Colinas, who established his reputation as a top coach in Spain with the country's youth teams, has been watching Brazil's youngsters play and he will also be in Brazil to watch the Campeonato Paulista finals.
The coach is eager to then gather with his squad this summer to step up preparations for Preliminary Round games against Spain, Korea and Mali in Group C.
"We will finalize the details of our program in the coming days," he said.
"The members of the technical committee will now begin their work, aiming at the presentation of the players in the last week of June.
"We will continue monitoring the performance of athletes at their clubs to come up with a defined list."
In July, Brazil will travel to Slovakia and face Pokey Chatman's team in two friendly games on the 28th and 29th.
Also in Slovakia, Brazil will compete in the Grand Prix against Hungary, Russia and Slovakia from July 31 to August 2.
Brazil will then compete at the 32nd South American Championship August 10-14.
Following that, from September 2-4, the Brazilians will host the Super Four Electrobas and take on Argentina, Cuba and Poland.
Brazil will be in Beauvais, France, from September 16-18 for an international tournament that also has Argentina, Japan and hosts France taking part.
The FIBA World Championship for Women in the Czech Republic tips off on September 23.
