Puerto Ricans receive commitments from important players

Puerto Rico are looking formidable heading into the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament with the key players in Manolo Cintron's team having all given a thumbs-up to playing for the national side.

Carlos Arroyo of the Orlando Magic, Larry Ayuso of Cangrejeros de Santurce and Jose Juan Barea of the Dallas Mavericks will make Real's backcourt one of the most feared at the event.

And crucially, Unicaja Malaga center Daniel Santiago is with the team. One of the heroes of the 2004 team that reached the quarter-finals of the Athens Olympics, Santiago was uncertain about his participation during the club season but he is in the team.

Puerto Rico will embark on a short European tour before travelling to Athens.

On July 4, they take on Germany in a tournament that will also see them face Greece and potential quarter-final opponents Slovenia.

The Puerto Ricans will then travel to Slovenia on July 8 and face New Zealand, Iran and again, the Slovenians.

Once in Greece, Puerto Rico, the bronze-medal winners at last year's FIBA Americas Championship, will compete in Group D with Cameroon and Croatia.

Puerto Rico have named 10 members of the squad and will announce the remaining two before they leave for Germany on July 1.

Puerto Rico squad so far:

Carlos Arroyo (Orlando Magic), Jose Juan Barea (Dallas Mavericks), Filiberto Rivera (Gigantes de Carolina), Larry Ayuso (Cangrejeros de Santurce), Carmelo Lee (Conquistadores de Guaynabo), Angelo Reyes (Gigantes de Carolina), Ricky Sanchez (Grises de Humacao), Daniel Santiago (Unicaja Malaga), Peter John Ramos (Criollos de Caguas) y Luis Villafa