Brazil Opt For Experience At Lima 2019

The Brazilian men’s team will go to the Lima 2019 Parapan American Games with a wealth of experience to help them qualify for the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games.

Brazil qualified for the Parapan Am Games by finishing second at the Men’s 2018 South American Championship last December. Only six of that team have been selected for Lima 2019, as they revert back to a similar squad that played at the 2018 World Championships last August. Ten members of that squad make the Lima 2019 team, with Carlos Ferreira and youngest member of squad Cristiano Clement the only changes.

Brazil’s Head Coach Sileno Santos commented on the selection:

“We’ve been working since February with 25 dedicated players to select the best ones in terms of international experience, physical fitness, and technical and tactical performance. The players selected for the Parapan American games demonstrated a high level of those prerequisites and also a great commitment for their preparation not only during the training camps, but also in a daily practice in their clubs.

“The mean age of our team is high (36 years old) and many players know this competition could be their last chance to defend the national team, and this is another motivational aspect that I am sure all players have in mind.”

One of the key figures for Brazil will be Marcos Sanchez Silva, who averaged 16 points and 11 points per game at the 2017 Americas Cup and 2018 World Championships.

He said, “This is my third participation at a Parapan American Games and it is always a privilege to serve my country doing what I love. I will use all my international experience, to be one of the leaders to fight for a place in Tokyo 2020.”

Another influential player for Brazil will be Gelson Junior Da Silva, returning to the side after missing last year’s South American Championship. He confirmed the team’s ambitions saying:

“Our main goal is to be in the top three and secure our spot for the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games.”

The Lima 2019 Parapan American Games will act as the zonal qualification for the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games, and with only three spots available for the 8 men’s team competing, securing one of them will be tough challenge.

Speaking on who will likely be Brazil’s main competition for the spot, Da Silva added:

“I see the USA as favourites because of the results they have had in recent years; then there is Canada as they have one of the best players in the world and a great coaching staff. We come into the tournament after a strong year with a winning mindset and will fight hard to be on the podium, but Argentina comes on the rise after a great performance in Germany at the World Championships.”

Santos also agreed with Da Silva:

“This is a highly competitive tournament for the Americas Region, and I believe that many teams will be very well prepared to fight for a place to Tokyo. USA and Canada due to their best training conditions, investments, and many talented players are the favourites to play the final. Argentina had a great standing in the World Championship in Hamburg last year and have many players playing in Europe. Colombia had a great performance in 2011 qualifying for London 2012. I don’t have much information about Mexico or Puerto Rico. Peru are getting better, and playing as the host country I am sure that right after the games in Lima we will see Peru become one of the best teams in South America.”

BRAZIL MEN’S ROSTER FOR LIMA 2019 PARAPAN AMERICAN GAMES

*Wandemberg Nascimento replaced Rodrigo Carvalho due to injury

Visit the Confederação Brasileira de Basquetebol em Cadeira de Rodas for more information on the Brazilian Men’s team.

To follow the Lima 2019 Parapan American Games stay tuned to the event page where all up to date information and links to live stream wll be posted.