Fab Melo Vs. The World

by Sean Keeley on Apr 25, 2011 9:30 AM EDT

It's an apt metaphor for Fab's freshman season as he failed to live up to the hype many had built up around him. But actually, Fab will be semi-literally taking on the world when he suits up for the Brazilian national team at the 2011 FIBA Americas Championship .

The 2011 FIBA Americas Championship for Men is the qualifying tournament for FIBA Americas at the men's basketball tournament of the 2012 Summer Olympics in London. Ten teams compete in the tournament, which will be held in Mar del Plata, Argentina, between August 30 and September 11, 2011.

The US is not on of the participating teams since, as the defending Olympic champion, we automatically qualify for the next one. There will be some other notable participants, however.

Brazil is on Group A alongside Cube, Venezuela, Dominican Republic and a Canada team that might very well feature Andy Rautins, son of Leo, who'll probably coach it regardless.

Third-place finisher in the last Olympics, Argentina, is in the other Group.

After three games in your group, the top squads advance to a single elimination format.

Brazil hasn't made it to the Olympics since 1996, though they have won the Bronze three times (1948, 1960, 1964). Chances are, Melo will be playing alongside Brazilians and NBA players Leandro Barbosa and Anderson Varejão.

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Awesome

That will be great experience for Fab Melo.

I remember how Andy seemed to get much better after the summers he played for the Canadian team.

by Gregory Tuers on Apr 25, 2011 9:39 AM EDT reply actions

Agreed

Outside of ripping up his ACL (and subsequent hitting of the gym ) they seemed to agree with him.

by Pinker on Apr 25, 2011 9:44 AM EDT up reply actions

I’m now imagining what the players for team Cube would look like.

'Cuse 2010, Michigan 2012

by Orange22 on Apr 25, 2011 9:45 AM EDT reply actions

I found a team photo

Shut up brain or I'll stab you with a Q-tip

by MrPlow99 on Apr 25, 2011 10:01 AM EDT up reply actions

Tough training methods

Troy Nunes Is An Absolute Magician - The Syracuse blog that cares.

Buy my book "How To Grow An Orange"

by Sean Keeley on Apr 25, 2011 11:40 AM EDT up reply actions

If conditioning was an issue this year

This could be a good sign he’ll be in better shape next year. All kind of depends on what coaching staff the Brazilians have, but considering that there are several NBA players on that roster, there should be decent leadership to help Fab this summer.

by Sadler1 on Apr 25, 2011 11:05 AM EDT reply actions