Puerto Rico starts the exhibition games with a victory.

Puerto Rico defeated Macedonia 96-77 in their first of two preparation games before the Fiba Qualifying Tournament in July. Jose Juan Barea had a double double (11 points, 10 assists), David Huertas and Alex Galindo scored 15 each and two recent additions, Renaldo Balkman and Nathan Peavy ( They didn't played in Centrobasket) joined the club and gave them a big spark at both ends.  The starting point guard, Carlos Arroyo, and his backup, Andres Rodriguez,weren't available. They expect to return tomorrow in the 2nd game against Macedonia.

Nathan Peavy Scored 12 points and 8 boards

Coach, Flor Melendez, was very impressed with his roster, they beat a good Macedonia team that had players like Bo McCalebb (13 pts, 5 assist) and Pero Antic ( 19 pts and 8 boards) but one player in particular that really impressed him was forward, Nathan Peavy. Melendez said Peavy is a a true power forward , a very underrated scorer, and will help them tremendously in that aspect and also in the rebound department, which they had been lacking.

Flor Melendez, coach of Puerto Rico.

Photo credit:  Jose L. Cruz Candelaria of Primera Hora

Follow me on Twitter @JohnnyNBA and Like us on Facebook.

Puerto Rico announced their roster for the 2012 Fiba Qualifying Tournament

David Huertas and Jose Juan Barea

Puerto Rico has a chance on making the London Olympics by playing in the 2012 Fiba Qualifying tournament in Caracas, Venezuela from July 2-8.   Head Coach Flor Melendez announced the 12 man roster that will be representing them.  Point guards Carlos Arroyo, Jose Juan Barea and Andres Rodriguez will be the ones handling the ball & creating offense.  Florida gator, Mike Rosario, will be joining the team for the first time at shooting guard, along with the up and coming David Huertas.  

Andres Rodriguez

Former Nugget & Knick Renaldo Balkman will play the power forward spot along with Nathan Peavy and  Ricky Sanchez.  Alex Galindo and Alex Franklin will be playing at the small forward spot and maybe some shooting guard as well, depending on the match up.  Daniel Santiago and Peter John Ramos are going to be the ones guarding the paint and playing the center position.

Peter John Ramos

Puerto Rico will start their preparation games on June 27 and 28 against Macedonia.  Flor Melendez is hopeful his team can finish in the top three and qualify for the Olympics, however, this isn't an easy task. Greece, Russia, Lithuania and Dominican Republic (behind John Calipari) seem to be a lot stronger and you can't never count the host (Venezuela) out.


Source:  El Nuevo Dia & Primera Hora


Follow me on Twitter @JohnnyNBA and Like us on Facebook.