Cape Verde was already long shots heading into the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament before Thursday’s draw.
After falling into Group B with Germany and New Zealand, though, the task looks even harder.
With three places up for grabs for the Beijing Games, the African nation will attempt to win one of their two games to reach the quarter-finals and then spring an upset against tournament hosts Greece, Brazil or Lebanon.
‘Germany is the strongest team of the group,’ said Cape Verde power-forward Rodrigo Mascarenhas (198-F-79) to FIBA after the draw.
‘They are led by a fabulous player Dirk Nowitzki. It will not be easy for us.
‘I do not know too much about New Zealand’s game, I just know that they have been regulars at Olympics and World Championships, lately.’
‘This might be an indication that they deserve some attention,’ added Mascarenhas, who was voted to the all-tournament team at last year’s FIBA Africa Championship.
The Cape Verde Basketball Federation is planning to strengthen the squad with players from abroad who have Cape Verde roots.
This is a positive, according to Mascarenhas.
One of the best known players who could suit up for Cape Verde is Ryan Gomes of the NBA’s Minnesota Timberwolves.
‘Personally, I think that he is more than welcome,’ Mascarenhas said.
‘I do not know him, but I just spoke with some people who know him, and I heard positives things. Despite him not being born there (Cape Verde), he is very keen in his cultural heritage. If he can join and help us, why not?’
Cape Verde shocked the bookmakers after wining the bronze medal at FIBA Africa Championship 2007, but they will face much stiffer competition this summer.
‘I followed the draw with some national team-mates here in Luanda (Angola),’ he said. ‘And it was interesting as we will have the chance to measure our potential against high-class players.’
Julio ChitundaFIBA
