Cuba’s National Basketball Team Gears Up for FIBA World Cup
The Cuban Basketball Federation has unveiled its roster for the highly anticipated 2023 FIBA World Cup, set to take place across the Philippines, Japan, and Indonesia. Dalia Henry, President of the Federation, announced the twelve players selected to represent Cuba on the international stage.
This year’s squad boasts a blend of seasoned veterans and fresh talent. Returning players include Jasiel Rivero, Yorman Polas, karel Guzmán, Yoanki Mencía, Pedro Bombino, osmel Oliva, Marcos Chacón, Pedro Roque, Neslier Abreu, and Yoel Cubilla, who all showcased their skills in the Chihuahua tournament last November.
Adding to the team’s depth are two exciting newcomers: Sigfredo Casero-Ortiz and Raúl de la Cruz. Both players have honed their skills in european leagues, bringing valuable international experience to the Cuban squad. Casero-Ortiz, a 24-year-old Belgian resident, has previously represented Belgium in lower-level international competitions. De la Cruz, 28, has spent over two decades in Italy, competing in the Italian, German, and Austrian leagues. He currently plays for Basket casapulla in Italy’s Serie C Silver.
Henry expressed her enthusiasm for the new additions, highlighting their dedication to representing Cuba. “Both players have fulfilled all the requirements to join our federation and have consistently demonstrated their desire to wear the Cuban jersey,” she stated.”We are thrilled to welcome them to the team and hope to see more players follow their lead in future competitions.”
The inclusion of Casero-Ortiz and De la Cruz underscores the growing global reach of Cuban basketball. With seven players currently competing in leagues across spain, Germany, Romania, Argentina, and Italy, the national team is poised to make a strong showing at the World Cup.
Cuban Basketball: A New Era on the World Stage?
Welcome back to Courtside Chat! today we’re diving deep into the exciting world of Cuban basketball, with a special guest who knows the game inside and out.Joining me is former Cuban national team coach, Roberto Hernandez, who guided the team to numerous victories during his tenure. Welcome, Coach Hernandez!
Roberto: It’s a pleasure to be here.
We’re buzzing about the recently announced roster for the 2023 FIBA World Cup. What are your initial thoughts on the squad?]?
Roberto: it’s a solid mix of experience and youthful exuberance, which is exactly what you need for a tournament this demanding.the returning players like Rivero,Polas,and Guzmán provide the backbone of the team,bringing their proven skills and leadership.
Agreed. And the two newcomers, Casero-Ortiz and De la Cruz, have certainly caught everyone’s eye. What do you make of bringing in players who have honed their skills in European leagues?
Roberto: It’s a smart move. international experience is invaluable. They’ve been exposed to different playing styles and have competed against top-tier talent. This exposure will undoubtedly benefit the whole team.
There’s been much discussion about the growing global presence of Cuban basketball. We’ve seen more Cuban players making their mark in leagues across Europe and South America. Do you think this trend will continue?
Roberto: Absolutely. The talent pool in Cuba is deep, and players are realizing they can carve out successful careers abroad. This increased exposure not only benefits individual players but also raises the profile of Cuban basketball on the international stage.
It makes sense. Now, back to the World Cup. What are your expectations for this Cuban team? Can they make a deep run in the tournament?
roberto : I’m cautiously optimistic. This is a team with potential. They’re capable of upsetting some strong opponents. However, they’ll need to gel quickly as a unit and execute their game plan consistently.
That’s certainly a valid point. Tournament basketball is all about momentum and peaking at the right time.What aspects of their game do you think are crucial for their success?
Roberto: Their defense will be key.They need to be disciplined, communicate effectively, and create turnovers. Offensively,they need to move the ball quickly,exploit mismatches,and share the scoring load.
Coach Hernandez, thank you for offering such insightful analysis. Moving forward, I’d love to hear our readers’ thoughts. What are your predictions for the Cuban national team in the 2023 FIBA World Cup? Share your comments below and let’s keep the conversation going!
