The Brazilian U19 National Team has finished the first session of practices in preparation for the U19 FIBA World Championships in July. Head coached by Jose Neto , and overseen by Lula, the team trained for two long weeks in Rio Claro.

I was in town last Friday and was able to follow one day of practices with the NT. The work load was divided into two periods and the most interesting part, in my humble opinion, took place after noon when the team scrimmaged Rio Claro's pro team. The Brazilian youngsters had to sweat it out while attempting to impose their game system. The strength, experience, and overall game of the Rio Claro athletes made it tough for the U19 NT, but it helped them face something more similar to what they will get in Canada six months from now.

“Its is extremely important to face such teams, so the players are demanded technically and phisycally", says Jose Neto . “They get to handle pressure situations that when tournament time comes, it will be easier for them to surpass any difficulties that may arise”.

According to Lula, athletes such as Betinho, Carlao, and Romario, that already play for their club's pro squads, add some important ingredients to the team's mix, “these players bring the type of rhythm and experience that only the pro game can give.”, says Lula.

In Cesar Guidetti's opinion, this type of practice also helps the coaching staff on identifying key problems with the squad. “On a higher level and more intense basketball game, it is easier to point out individual and team errors”, affirms Guidetti, South American Cadet champion with the U16 NT back in Montevideo (November), and assistant coach for the U19 squad.

The number of players with playing time in high level basketball will be a key factor for success during the U19 Fiba World Championships in Canada and, when the clock ticks on decision time, will provide greater chances to their teams. Teams with a greater number of guys fitting this profile will have an advantage.

France, the current U18 champion, will probably bring to the U19 World Championships Nicolas Batum, and Adrien Moerman. Both were key figures on France's title in Europe last year in Greece, and in their clubs, Le Mans and Pau-Orthez, play on a regular basis during Pro A's schedule (top league in France), and sporadically in Euroleague match-ups. They are more than experienced when it comes to uptempo game and its demanding qualities, factors that will count towards France's advantage.

Argentina, Lithuania, Serbia, Spain, Turquey, and the US have plenty of players who are used to a faster and more aggressive type of game. Their players will get to Canada with far more “know-how” on highly competitive hoops than their Asian and African counterparts. Brazil sits right in between these two worlds since it doesn't have that many players in top level leagues.

However, during Brazil's last phase of training, the NT will rely on Paulo Prestes (208-C-88) and Vitor Faverani (209-C-88), big Brazilian names in Spain. Paulao is one of LEB2's Clinica Rincon