When Baskonia’s star point guard Marcus Howard obtained permission from FIBA Toy Puerto Rico, he was warmly welcomed by the local fans. However, it will not compete with Pre-Olympic Tournament of July.
The country’s basketball federation (FBPUR) announced the list of 12 players from the final roster that will compete in the tournament in San Juan and Markus Howard is not included.
According to Iván Benito from El Correo, the absence of Howard is related to a personal matter, because his wife Peighton she will give birth by the time the Pre-Olympic starts.
“It would be a great opportunity, but as I say, family is my priority. It’s hard to plan in this situation,” he told her. Howard to Asier Pérez from Noticias de Álava in mid-May.
In addition to Howard, John Holland,Justin Kings and Ethan Thompsonwho represented the team last year at the FIBA World Cup 2023, will also not attend.
So, the great star of the team could be the point guard of the New Orleans Pelicans Jose Alvaradowho missed the 2023 FIBAWorld Cup due to injury, and was named to the roster.
Puerto Rico will play in Group B together Italy and Bahrain. The two best teams in the group will play in the semifinal phase against the two best teams in Group A, consisting of Lithuania, Mexico and Ivory Coast. The winner of the tournament qualifies for Games Paris 2024 Olympics.
Source: La Verdad

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