The first part of the script for the participation of the national men’s basketball team, in its participation in the Belgrade Pre-Olympic Games, has been fulfilled to the letter: A defeat against the world number five, Serbia, and a victory against the number 31, Philippines.
But it is only half the way to go. Now it is that the 12 brave Quisqueyanos who have donned the Creole jacket will have to gather all their skills on the court to materialize the eternal dream of Dominican basketball.
With three guards with at least 20 points (Víctor Liz 23, Gelvis Solano 21 and Mike Torres 20) and a rare perfection in free throws (17-17), those coached by Melvin López dispatched the Filipinos, who dominated the first half 41-39, with a final score of 94-67.
In the game that gave the winner access to the semifinal stage, a more veteran and experienced Dominican team tightened the defense (23 losses from the Philippines) in the second half, used the counterattack and a good effectiveness in the triple to go out for the door of triumph.
However, what is coming is not easy. First is the clash against Italy, the tenth best, which debuted with a somewhat hasty victory (90-83) over Puerto Rico, which condemned the Puerto Rican brothers to “dance with the ugliest” in the semifinals (match against Serbia).
The Italians, loyal to European basketball that exchanges jumps and athletic attributes for calm, effectiveness on screens and distance shots, will be tough to crack. You have to approach perfection or at least minimize mistakes, not grant second chances and control the emotions so typical of the hot blood of the Caribbean.
If the bell is given (as against Germany in the 2019 World Cup) the table would be served to dispute the only ticket to the Olympic Games with the winner of the semifinal between Serbia and Puerto Rico. If logic prevails and the Serbs pass, it would be the second round against them after the opening day. They will continue to be the favorites and in basketball the strong almost always prevails. But there are exceptions. It will be lost due to the superiority of the rival, but not due to the lack of will, dedication and courage of the 12 Brave Quisqueyanos.
Japan, Nigeria, Argentina, the United States, Iran, Spain, France and Australia have already qualified for Tokyo.
To these will be added the winners that the four pre-Olympics that are held simultaneously in Belgrade, Kaunas (Lithuania), Split (Croatia) and Victoria (Canada).
The other semifinals will be: in Kaunas, Slovenia-Venezuela and Lithuania-Poland, in Split, Germany-Croatia and Brazil-Mexico and in Victoria, Canada-Czech Republic and Turkey-Greece.