The Dominican Republic men’s basketball team continued preparing for the forthcoming FIBA World Cup and played Latvia on Saturday, 12 August 2023. The team lost 74 to 69. Take note that Latvia is ranked 29th and the DR is ranked 23rd.
Karl Anthony Towns of the Minnesota Timberwolves reportedly traveled to Spain to participate in the preparatory games leading to the team’s participation in the FIBA World Cup. Angel Delgado of the LA Clippers is also scheduled to play for the team. The third NBA player to reinforce the Dominican team is Lester Quiñones of Golden State Warriors. This is the first time that Quiñones plays for the Dominican Republic.
The final tournament of the 2023 FIBA World Cup will take place from 25 August to 10 September in Indonesia, Japan and the Philippines. The DR will play in Manila, Philippines fighting for victories in Group A against Angola, Italy, and the host Philippines.
The FIBA World Cup brings together 32 countries divided in eight groups to compete in rounds to be through 10 September 2023 in The Philippines, Japan and Indonesia.
The Dominican Team members are Victor Liz, Lester Quiñones, Karl Anthony Towns, Angel Delgado, Eloy Vargas, Andres Feliz, Gelvis Solano, Jean Montero, Rigo Mendoza, LJ Figueroa, Gerardo Suero, Antonio Peña and Luis Santos. Argentinian Nestor (Che) García is the head coach. He joined the team in time to help it qualify for the World Cup in a headline-making game against top-ranked team Argentina. García was head coach when the team competed in the World Cup in 2019.
To prepare for the World Cup, the Dominican team next matches Canada on 18 August and Spain on 19 August in Granada, Spain. Next is the practice game against Egypt on 22 August.
Read more:
Eurohoops
DR1 News
El Dia
15 August 2023