SAN JUAN (FIBA Basketball World Cup) - One of the biggest exclusions from Puerto Rico's preliminary squad for the FIBA Basketball World Cup, both literally and figuratively, is Peter John Ramos.

The 2.22m center had a knee injury and did not play for the Boricuas last year when they finished runners-up at the FIBA Americas Championship in Caracas, Venezuela, under new coach Paco Olmos.

Even if he had been fit, it doesn't appear that Olmos would have taken him.

While an asset in some ways because of his height, Ramos, some believe, would be a slow-footed on defense and not get back quickly enough in transition.

The country's veteran point guard, Carlos Arroyo, believes Ramos should at least be given a chance to show what he can offer.

"I know it's a little late because there are people who have been practicing three weeks, but I think it was unfair to Peter to not even invite him to see if he could make the team," Arroyo said to the Puerto Rican media.

"A World Cup squad should go with experienced people.

"He never received a chance to show what he can do in Paco's system. Of course, Paco is very demanding and Peter will have to run back on defense like never before.

"He'll have to sprint from one end of the court to the other. He has to shore up the defense and recover quickly to get into the paint.

"And on offense, he'd have to keep moving. Those are things he'd have to do if he wants to be there, but we won't know if he can unless we give him a chance."

Ramos expressed the hope that the coach will reconsider and invite him to the training camp that will get underway after Puerto Rico play in the Thursday's Centrobasket Final against hosts Mexico.

"You have to see how he fits in the system of Paco," Arroyo said.

"After that, he can be evaluated and then it can be decided as to whether or not he should stay with the team."

Arroyo also said that if Ramos were fortunate to receive a late invite, he'd need to arrive at practice with a determined but humble attitude.

"I think that would be the key if he was called," Arroyo said.

Ramos made his debut with the senior team in 2004 and played in the famous upset of the United States on the opening day of the men's basketball tournament at the Athens Olympics.

The need to have an operation on a hernia prevented him from being a part of Puerto Rico's team in 2011, and after playing at the 2012 FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament (OQT), he missed last year.

With the Puerto Ricans taking on Greece, Argentina, Senegal, the Philippines and Croatia in Group B, they are going to face some big teams.

"I am convinced that with me on the team will have a better chance in Spain," Ramos said.

FIBA