This past weekend the qualifying matches took place before the EuroBasket and the AmeriCup.
The six international players from Gran Canaria continue with their preparation for the great continental events of the summer. Three players in the Old Continent, two in America, and one in Africa, represent ‘Granca’ at this summer moment of national team basketball.
On the African continent, Khalifa Diop has successfully completed his presence with the Senegal team. The Senegalese have played three games in three days in Tunisia, in clashes corresponding to the qualification for the 2023 World Cup. The ‘Lions of Teranga’ have added three triumphs of enormous value to place themselves close to the ticket to the World Cup event. Senegal knocked out South Sudan (69-66), Tunisia (63-73) and Cameroon (90-71), although Khalifa’s participation was testimonial: just 10 seconds against the host Tunisia. It is expected that the homegrown center will soon join the yellow preseason.
In Europe, the Poles Olek Balcerowski and AJ Slaughter stood out. Without options to be in the 2023 World Cup, Poland has played pre-qualifying matches for Eurobasket 2025. The Polish team debuted with a defeat against Croatia by 69-72 in a tight match that was decided by the Balkan side in the last minutes. Slaughter had 16 points and Balcerowski had 11 points, 4 rebounds and 2 assists. Against Austria, Poland enjoyed a placid afternoon with both Claretian players disputing limited minutes. Balcerowski had 7 points, 3 rebounds and 2 assists in 10 minutes, while Slaughter had 5 points and 4 assists in 13 minutes. Poland is now focusing on its participation in Eurobasket 2022.
For his part, Andrew Albicy rejoined the French discipline after recovering from his muscle injury in Gran Canaria. The French point guard was not included in the squad for the ‘les bleus’ match against the Czech Republic, which ended with a clear 95-60 win. He did have minutes in the match against Bosnia and Herzegovina that the Balkan side won 96-90 after two extensions. Albicy played 7 minutes and contributed 2 points, a rebound and an assist. France will also be at Eurobasket 2022.
In America, Nico Brussino and Vítor Benite face the last appointment prior to the AmeriCup 2022. Argentina fell during their visit to Canada (99-87) in a clash in which Nico could not score points. Brazil, for its part, lost in Puerto Rico (75-72) without Vítor Benite, who was not called up. Today, the Brazilian team receives Mexico and Benite is scheduled to participate. For its part, Argentina will face the Bahamas. The AmeriCup 2022 will be held in Brazil from September 2 to 11.
