After spending weeks in Mar del Plata, Argentina for the FIBA Americas Championship, San Antonio Spurs center Tiago Splitter could soon be on his way to Mexico next month.
Brazil coach Ruben Magnano spoke to Splitter while they were still in Argentina about taking a spot on Brazil’s 12-man roster for the Pan American Games, which will take place from October 14 through 30 in Guadalajara, Mexico.
The Pan American Games are an international multi-sport event, consisting of competitions in 36 different sports with 41 different countries being represented.
The basketball competition will have eight countries competing, including the United States, Canada, Mexico. Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, Uruguay, Argentina and Brazil, who are the defending champions.
Splitter was on Twitcam last night talking about the games, and has said that he would like to play, but it all depends on a few factors. The lockout would be the first, but there doesn’t seem to be much progress in that area. The second issue would be making sure whichever team Splitter signs to play with throughout the lockout will give him clearance to play.
“Ruben spoke to everyone and asked about the possibilities. I said that would depend on whether I would play for a team or not. Because I’m the indefinite future, I was summoned. But let’s see,” said Splitter.
The Pan American Games could stir up quite the controversy, since it appears construction on the athletes village, which was already behind, has been stopped. There is also a major drug war between two cartels in Guadalajara currently. Due to the security issue, the United States Olympic Committee will have a security plan in place and organizers have vowed to spend $10 million on additional security measures.
For Spanish and Portuguese speakers, view Splitter’s video below, where he not only talks about the Pan American Games, but also Metta World Peace’s Dancing With The Stars debut.
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