20 January, 2017
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11 Luis Bethelmy (VEN)
20/02/2017
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Bethelmy: "We are going to Mexico with only one goal - advance to retain the continental title"

MONTERREY (DIRECTV Liga de las Americas) - Continental champion Guaros de Lara is currently preparing for the Semifinal phase of the DIRECTV Liga de las Americas after showing in the Group Phase that it has the power and desire to retain the title.

The captain of the Venezuelan set is experienced forward Luis Bethelmy, who reaffirms that in the semifinals the team will show evolution and that it maintains as its only objective to return to conquer the title that will ratify the team like the best one of the continent.

With more practices and games played do you think Guaros is better for this semifinal phase? Will we see an improved team?
No doubt we will get better for the Semifinal. The first group helped a lot, we were able to see our faults and we now know our needs. Now Guaros will be more organized in defense and more cautious in the closing moments of the game.

Two new players were added to the squad. What do they bring to the team?
For us, whenever we add a reinforcement plater, as Lazar Hayward, we consider him as ideal to improve the equipment. They really give us stability on both sides of the court. When a player arrives they have to defend, the offense will flow alone.

What do you think of the Semi-Final Group with Fuerza Regia (MEX), Soles (MEX) and La Unión (ARG)?
Our coach (Jorge Arrieta), Néstor (Colmenares) and I have participated in the Mexican League. By this I do not mean that playing against them is something simpler, but it will help us to know them, to know their style and attitudes. There is something special and it is that we already faced Fuerza Regia. We saw them and they saw us. Now is the time to do the little things that we did not play in that game. In La Unión is a player who will be our partner in the short term, as is José Vargas. Their coach (Narvarte) also knows us. By this I mean that we already know enough. The group will be very difficult, but today we are the champions of America.

In the qualifying group the team left a good image. What do you need to correct to increase the team’s chances?
Every team that comes to this tournament with the champion label is the powerful, the rival every team wants to defeat. We just need to qualify to the Final4. Basketball today more than power, it needs men on the court, and we are going to Mexico with only one goal, advance to revalidate the continental title.

How do current champions feel the obligation to reach the Final4?
More than an obligation is a duty. We have the tools to get it, so where on that road, looking for that successful defense of the title.

FIBA