Argentina-born Magnano (pictured below) selected 15 players in his squad although three of these will not travel to London.

The coach was also celebrating a new contract after Brazilian Basketball Confederation (CBB) President Carlos Nunes announced that he would remain in charge until the next Olympic Games, on home soil at Rio de Janeiro in 2016.

Magnano led his home country to gold at Athens 2004, which was the first time the United States had been prevented from winning the Olympic crown since 1988.

He became coach of the Brazil squad two years ago in a bid to replicate his home country's success.


Magnano has called upon centre Anderson Varejao (pictured top) of the Cleveland Cavaliers, Indiana Pacers star guard Leandro Barbosa, forward Nenê from the Washington Wizards and Tiago Splitter, a centre from San Antonio Spurs.

America-born guard Bauru's Larry Taylor, who recently became a Brazilian citizen, is also among the squad.

Others picked are Marcelo Huertas (Barcelona), Raulzinho (Lagun Aro BGC), Marcelo Machado, Caio Torres (both Flamengo), Marquinhos (Pinheiro), Alex, Guilherme Giovannoni (both Brasilia), Rafael Hettsheimer (Zaragoza), Ricardo Fischer (Sao Jose) and Ronald (Brasilia)

"I thought 100 times about who to take," said Magnano.

"Now I have to see how their attitude is, know what is happening inside them and see if they really want to be in the squad."

The biggest news from the selection was the choice to pick Barbosa (pictured below, in white), one of the fastest players in the NBA, and Nenê, who has played in the US since 2002 – both of whom asked not to play in a pre-Olympic tournament last year.

"I decided to give them another chance after personally talking to them," Magnano said.

"I would not call up a player if I did not have any trust in him."

Brazil will be competing in their first Olympic Games since 1996, but have not won an Olympic medal since 1964.


During their preparations, Brazil will compete in São Carlos at an international tournament involving Greece, Nigeria and New Zealand between June 26 and 28.

They will later face South American rivals Argentina in a four-team tournament also involving Mexico and an as yet unnamed fourth team on July 5 and 6

Brazil will then take part on home soil in another tournament at Foz do Iguaçu, once more against Argentina and two other yet to be named opponents, from July 10 to 11.

Magnano's team will also face the US on July 16 before playing France and Australia the following week.

At the Olympics Brazil were drawn with the hosts Britain in Group B, as well as Australia, China, Spain and an as yet unknown qualifier.

Meanwhile, Magnano said he was thrilled at the extension to his contract.

"I am very happy and proud that the CBB keeps trust in me, which to me is the most important thing," he said.

"I have much work ahead and I feel confident."

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]


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