MILWAUKEE (2016 Rio Olympics) - Greivis Vasquez knows that Venezuela shocked many in the basketball world by winning the 2015 FIBA Americas Championship without him. But the Milwaukee Bucks point guard is ready to earn his spot on the team bound for the 2016 Olympics. 

Vasquez turned down an invitation to play for his country last summer to focus on his transition from leaving the Toronto Raptors to join the Bucks. In his absence, a Venezuela team void of any NBA player knocked off Canada in the Semi-Finals to secure a spot in Rio and then defeated Argentina to claim their first-ever continental title. 

"I couldn't be happier," said the 29-year-old who is currently out of action as he recovers from ankle surgery. "I didn't even play and that shows our resilience, our talent and what we got. We can dominate South America."

The result is just the start of things to come, Vasquez warned.

"I think we can even start getting medals. I don't know about the Olympics or (FIBA Basketball) World Cup yet, but we're coming. We have really good professional athletes back home," he explained.

At Rio 2016, Venezuela will play in the Olympic Basketball Tournament for just the second time, following a maiden appearance in 1992. 

I am extremely excited. I think this is a great opportunity for the country to show it's more than politics. We have a lot of things going back home, positive things that we have to utilise. - Vasquez

Vasquez has missed the last two FIBA Americas Championships, sitting out the 2013 event after recovering from an ankle injury. He also did not play at the 2015 Pan American Games in Toronto. But the Caracas native is willing to fight for a spot on the Vinotino this summer. 

"It's not going to be easy. I don't feel like it's a given to me. I want to go there and work like everybody else and try to win a spot. I don't want to take somebody's spot because I play in the NBA. That's not how it works," said the 1.97m playmaker, whose sole appearance at a global event was at the 2012 FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Venezuela. 

I gotta earn it. That’s what I’ve been doing my whole life. So I’m looking forward to playing with my national team and hopefully I get a spot. - Vasquez

When asked what it would mean to be at the Olympics this summer, he said: "It would be quite an honour. I couldn't play at the qualifiers and the guys did a great job to let me jump along on the dream. I’m happy and excited and it’s going to be fun."

First though, Vasquez must get back on the court. He has not played since November 27, having undergone surgery to remove a bone spur and loose bodies from his right ankle. 

"I will be back in four weeks," he said. "I am really looking forward to getting back on the court."

Then he can be ready and fully fit in time to challenge for a spot for the Olympics.

FIBA