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Puerto Rico Eyes AmeriCup Glory in Nicaragua, Backed by Olympic Experience
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Puerto Rico and 11 other national teams will compete in the 20th edition of the FIBA AmeriCup, running from this Friday through August 31 in managua, Nicaragua. The tournament, steeped in history and evolving wiht the modern basketball landscape, presents a meaningful opportunity for Puerto Rico to reclaim regional dominance.
A Tournament Transformed
Originally known as the Las américas Tournament, the AmeriCup first took place in 1980, with Puerto Rico playing host. For many years, the competition was held biennially, from 1993 to 2017. However, the introduction of the current FIBA qualifying system for continental championships and the Basketball World Cup prompted a shift. The AmeriCup now operates under its current name and, notably, no longer serves as a direct qualifier for the Olympic Games or the World Cup.After a hiatus, the tournament returned in 2022 and will now be contested every four years.
Nicaragua will make its debut in the competition, while veteran teams vie for the championship title. David Rosario, leading Nicaragua, acknowledged the challenge ahead, stating, “We have little to lose and much to win.”
The Road to Managua and Tournament Format
Teams secured their places in the contest through three qualifying windows held in February 2024,November 2024,and February 2025. The 12 participating nations – Argentina, Bahamas, Brazil, Canada, colombia, Dominican Republic, Panama, Puerto Rico, USA, Uruguay, Venezuela, and Nicaragua – were divided into three groups:
- Group A: United States, Brazil, Uruguay, bahamas
- Group B: Canada, Argentina, Panama, Dominican Republic
- Group C: Puerto Rico, venezuela, Colombia, Nicaragua
The top two teams from each group, along with the two best third-place teams, will advance to the quarterfinals. From there, the tournament will follow a standard knockout format, culminating in the championship game.
Puerto Rico’s Squad: A Blend of Youth and Experience
Carlos González has assembled a squad featuring a compelling mix of emerging talent and seasoned veterans. Leading the charge is José Alvarado, fresh off a strong performance at the Paris 2024 Olympics. He’s joined by promising players such as Ismael Romero,Gian Clavell,Iseah Piñeiro,George Conditt IV,and Arnaldo Toro. The squad is rounded out by experienced players Gary Browne, Alexander Kappos, Jordan Cintrón, Iván Gandía, Alfonso Plummer, and Ramses Meléndez.Gandía was a late addition, stepping in to replace André curbelo, who was hospitalized Saturday night with “severe abdominal pain.”
Carlos González, the national team’s head coach, will leverage the team’s Olympic experience alongside youthful energy. Following a strong showing against the Dominican Republic, González emphasized Alvarado’s potential as Puerto Rico’s offensive catalyst, notably in the absence of Tremont waters, who is still recovering from an Achilles tendon injury. “The shipowner has the ability to assume this role, as he demonstrated it in Paris 2024, where he was the offensive leader of the selected with an average of 15.3 points per match,” a senior team official stated. González also stressed the importance of a collective offensive effort to alleviate pressure on Alvarado.
Romero, coming off a prosperous season with the Guaynabo Mets, impressed in the kind against the Dominican Republic with 17 points and 22 rebounds. Plummer and Meléndez offer additional scoring punch and speed off the bench. González plans to implement a fast-paced style of play, supported by his assistant coaches Wilhelmus Caanen, Christian Dalmau, and Jorge Rincón.
Can Puerto Rico Reclaim the Crown?
Puerto Rico last won the AmeriCup 30 years ago, a testament to the tournament’s competitive nature.Only Romero, Clavell, and Browne were even born at the time of that victory. The national team previously triumphed in 1980 and 1989, and last reached the podium in 2013.
Though, recent FIBA rankings suggest a strong possibility of success. Puerto Rico is currently ranked fourth in the tournament, trailing only Brazil, the United States, and Canada. Carlos Arroyo,national manager of the adult program,has set a clear goal: “We prepare to come and win gold. It would be great for our country, since we are in a good time. We come from a World Cup and Olympics.Being able to give continuity to that advancement of players
