NewsWhore
04-30-2009, 03:10 PM
There is a slight chance that the Dominican Republic may compete in the World Basketball Championship. At least, according to Sacramento Kings' star forward Francisco Garcia, this is something that he can see happening. Garcia is making the rounds of the country's newspaper offices with the obligatory stop to visit Minister of Sports Felipe "Jay" Payano, and talking up the possibility of a Dominican team in the championships.
While professing that he bears the Dominican coat of arms and patriotism no matter where he plays in the NBA, Garcia says if the Kings give him the necessary permission and the Dominican Basketball Federation pays for the insurance, he would certainly wear the national uniform in the international competition. Of course, he said, the same goes for stars like Al Horford, Charlie Villanueva and Trevor Ariza. The premiums on these insurance policies are thought to be several million dollars for such a venture, but according to accounts in today's Hoy and Listin Diario, Garcia can see it happening. He said that all that was needed was time, practice and unity between all the players on the team. He praised the work done by coaches Scott Roth and Keith Smart the last time the team got together, but also mentioned the lack of communication that sometimes occurred with the local players. Payano told Hoy reporters that the NBA players were keeping the name of the Dominican Republic "on high," adding that President Fernandez greatly respects the Dominican players in the NBA.
More... (http://www.dr1.com/index.html#13)
While professing that he bears the Dominican coat of arms and patriotism no matter where he plays in the NBA, Garcia says if the Kings give him the necessary permission and the Dominican Basketball Federation pays for the insurance, he would certainly wear the national uniform in the international competition. Of course, he said, the same goes for stars like Al Horford, Charlie Villanueva and Trevor Ariza. The premiums on these insurance policies are thought to be several million dollars for such a venture, but according to accounts in today's Hoy and Listin Diario, Garcia can see it happening. He said that all that was needed was time, practice and unity between all the players on the team. He praised the work done by coaches Scott Roth and Keith Smart the last time the team got together, but also mentioned the lack of communication that sometimes occurred with the local players. Payano told Hoy reporters that the NBA players were keeping the name of the Dominican Republic "on high," adding that President Fernandez greatly respects the Dominican players in the NBA.
More... (http://www.dr1.com/index.html#13)