URU – Osimani and Uruguay with a lot of expectations for FIBA Americas Championship

PONCE (2009 FIBA Americas Championship) – Uruguayan point guard Martin Osimani talked about the expectations for the Uruguayan National Team for the 2009 FIBA Americas Championship (World Qualifier) that will be played in Mexico from August 26 until September 6.

After winning the second title in a row with Bigua, the guard of the Uruguayan national team was signed by Atléticos de San Germán in Puerto Rico where he averages 10.13 points, 4.8 rebounds and 4.6 assists in his first eight games.

Osimani, who made his debut with the junior national team in 1998, talked about the expectations after a good FIBA Americas Championship in 2007 but he is also worried about the current situation in Mexico.

"Everybody is waiting to see what happens with the swine flu. We are nervous but in Uruguay there are a lot people wanting to start the preparation because there are a lot of expectations after the 2007 tournament where we had a good showing."



Uruguay finished second in Group A of the 2007 FIBA Americas Championship with a 3-1 record. Their only loss was against Argentina and defeated Puerto Rico, Mexico y Panama. Then in the second round they lost to Canada, Venezuela, USA and Brazil to finish eighth and out of the Olympics.

"We were short because of injuries and this year we will look to extend the team so we son't be tired at the end of the championship", said the guard, explaining one of the factors for their bad performance in the second round.

Uruguay has seen the development of players like Leandro García Morales, Esteban Batista, Gustavo Barrera, Jayson Granger in the last couple of years and is expected that they make an immediate impact in the national team for international competitions. Also veterans like Nicolas Mazzarino might join the team.

"This is what everybody is waiting for to see what we can do better. We are waiting for Nicolas Mazzarino to see if he comes back after he retired but we know that the new players are having great seasons abroad and we have a lot of expectations to improve."

Part of the development of these players has been the Uruguayan League where Osimani, Leandro García Morales, Esteban Batista, among other have played.

"The level has improved, also the level of the imports has improved a lot and the players who play overseas are present. They have to improve the organization to be an elite league but it has improved and been worked a lot."

Bigua had their best season in history, winning their second straight title in Uruguay but at the international level they won the South American Championship for Clubs and played in the Final Four of the FIBA Americas League.

Osimani, who played in the United States in Utah and Duquesne University, is concentrated to have a great season with San German which is the one with the most tradition with 14 championships.