After failing to go to the podium in the Americanup 2025 tournament in Nicaragua, the National Basketball National Team It now points to the preparations for the start of the classifying windows to the FIBA 2027 World Cup in Qatar.
Puerto Rico will collide against Jamaica in the first two games since next November. On November 28 he will play on the road, while on December 1 he will receive the visit of Jamaica, number 107 in the World FIBA ranks.
Both selections are part of Group B with Canada, third in the 2023 World Cup, and Bahamas.
The best three of the group will advance to the second round. A total of six windows will be made to define the Americas teams that will go to the Catar World Cup.
For these first two games, the valuable shipowner José Alvarado It will not be available due to NBA commitments with the New Orleans Pelicans.
Yum Ramospresident of the local basketball federation, he told The new day that the agency we can perform the preparation of the group – for these first two games – outside the island.
“We are already preparing at the logistics level. We have to play in Jamaica the first game. They come here the second. We are seeing if we make the preparation in or outside Puerto Rico, because to go to Jamaica you have to go to Miami, Panama or Mexico, which are the connections there are. Instead of bringing them (to the players) here maybe see them in Miami or in some other city. It is part of what is being planned and glimpsed to make a final decision“Ramos said.
“Also seeing the available players given the contracts in the G-League, NBA or in foreign leagues. There are very long trips because if we have 72 hours of preparation and it takes 35 to arrive, all that are factors that are taken into consideration. We are waiting for the reports of Carlos Arroyo (General Manager) and Carlos González (leader) to discuss them in the National Selections Committee and see the group that will be brought for November”Ramos added.
Last month, Puerto Rico repeated a sixth place in the Americanup by falling in extra time against Argentina in the quarterfinal match. The Argentines, champions of 2022, took the silver medal in the final against Brazil, new monarch of the continent.
Due to the fourth consecutive competition, the Puerto Ricans could not advance to the round of medals.
“We would have liked to be on the podium, but the main goal was not achieved. A good group of boys. Positive things, good companionship, great rapport. We had the ball to get into the semifinals, but we lost with the runner -up of the tournament (2025), ”Ramos reacted on the final balance in Managua.
“Positive the integration of Ramses Meléndez, to give him this first international touch. Alfonso Plummer positive his participation. Ysmael (Romero) and the veterans looked at a high level. When one loses pulling ball to win it is difficult. They worked hard and everything ran wonderfully there with them at the level of discipline and commitment.”
Meléndez, who debuted in the National Upper Basketball (BSN) this year with the Captains of Arecibo, saw action in two games, averaging 1.0 points in 7.6 minutes.
Plummer, on his return to the selected adult, looked in the sports center Alexis Arguello leaving the bank. In four games it had average of 10.5 units with 20 minutes per match.
Puerto Rico, which had a 2-2 global brand, enjoyed a double-digit advantage in the partial room against Argentina, which forced an extra time to take the 82-77 victory.
In the added time, Alvarado had to leave on the table of the taboncillo after hurting his back. The Pelicans member added 25 points in the match.
Ramos reported that Alvarado suffered a contusion.
“Alright. No greater damage. It was a blow. All exams went well. Everyone is already in their homes, courts or leagues. They arrived between Saturday and Sunday, ”he said.
In the Americanup 2025, the United States took the bronze medal in the match against Canada. Dominican Republic, meanwhile, culminated fifth.
