2015 FIBA Americas Basketball Preview: Road to Rio

Apr 8, 2014; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Houston Rockets forward

(32) reacts after a 3-point basket against the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Dominican Republic

FIBA Ranking: 20

NBA Players on Roster: Francisco Garcia

Outlook: This squad is definitely the “What-If” team of the tournament. Garcia is the lone NBA representative, but the squad could have been something special if they received commitments from Al Horford and Karl-Anthony Towns!

At least there are a lot of players returning from the team that made the 2013 semi-finals, plus they had a fairly good showing at last month’s Pan-Am Games. With narrow losses to the U.S. and eventual champs, Brazil, the Dominicans placed 4th and enter this tourney with dreams of Rio dancing in their heads.

I think they’re closer to Mexico and Uruguay in the battle-for-fifth tier, than they are for a semi-final spot.

Next: Puerto Rico