2015 FIBA Americas Basketball Preview: Road to Rio

Feb 9, 2015; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Milwaukee Bucks guard

(13) during the game against the Brooklyn Nets at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Milwaukee won 103-97. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Mexico

FIBA Ranking: 19

NBA Players on Roster: Jorge Gutierrez

Outlook: Hey look, there’s a guy who plays in the NBA! Who cares that he’s third on the point guard depth chart for the Milwaukee Bucks, his importance jumped a few levels once Mexico was announced as hosts.

Throw in the veteran leadership of former NBA-er, Gustavo Ayon, and the Mexicans have good reason to be optimistic. At the 2013 tournament, Mexico was a last-second replacement because Panama was suspended.

The Mexicans went on to win Gold! How’s that for a wild-card entry? They’ll look to replicate that Cinderella run, this time with a home crowd cheering them on.

Next: Dominican Republic