Marchand Continental Cup returns

Marcelinho Machado

he second edition of the Marchand Continental Cup will be played from August 18-20 at Coliseo de Puerto Rico Jos Miguel Agrelot. This competition is the last test for the 2009 FIBA Americas Championship (World Qualifier).

Argentina, Brazil, Canada and Puerto Rico will be with their final rosters for the three day tournament. Players like Jos Juan Barea (Dallas Mavericks), Carlos Arroyo (Maccabi Tel Aviv), Luis Scola (Houston Rockets), Carlos Delfino (BC Khimki), Pablo Prigioni (Tau Cermica), Leandro Barbosa (Phoenix Suns), Nen Hilario (Denver), Carl English (Gran Canaria), are expected to play among other stars.

Brazil won the 2007 edition by goal average after defeating Canada 74-61. Puerto Rico could not get a win but did well in the 2007 FIBA Americas Championship by winning the Bronze medal.

In the first edition Luis Scola was the best scorer with an average of 20.7 points per game and was followed by Paolo Quinteros with 17.3. Brazil was led by Tiago Splitter who averaged 14.3 points and 7.3 rebounds. Marcelinho Machado (199-F/G-75, agency: Interperformances) of Brazil was the MVP after averaging 11.3 points, having his best performance against Argentina with 18 points.

Source: www.fibaamericas.com