MADRID (2016 FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournaments) - Mexico head coach Sergio Valdeolmillos can at last turn his full attention to the national team's bid to reach the Rio de Janeiro Games.

The Spaniard, who tried to come to the rescue of strugglers Estudiantes in Madrid but failed to prevent the team from a second-bottom finish in the ACB and relegation, can now put more focus on the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament (OQT) in Turin. That's where Mexico will take on Greece and Iran in Group A, and potentially Croatia, Italy and Tunisia in the knockout stages.

Italy and Greece are the teams that many expect to meet in the OQT Final, the winner of which will clinch a spot in the Rio Games. But Mexico will not be traveling to Turin just to make up the numbers.

Every time, the players are growing in experience and why not dream? You have to dream. - Valdeolmillos

Players will arrive at Mexico's training camp at different times, with Gustavo Ayon likely to be the last to show up. The 2013 FIBA Americas Championship MVP and All-Star Five selection at the same event last year when Mexico finished fourth, Ayon is getting ready to play for Real Madrid in the ACB play-offs.

Ayon is crucial for the national team, something he showed in 2014 when he was the country's best player at the FIBA Basketball World Cup in Spain.

"I see Gustavo as very well," the coach said to EFE. "He's in a very good time of his career."

Some players are already working out with the national team staff. The first to show up for training was David Meza, who is hoping to play at the OQT after a season in which he was injured and hardly played.

Others players that have been carrying knocks are Orlando Mendez and Lorenzo Mata but they are better, now, and looking to make the team.

"Orlando, 'Pery' (Meza) y Lorenzo are totally recovered from their injuries," said Mexico assistant Ramon Diaz. "Maybe they haven't played the minutes they wanted during the year, but we are going to train in order for those players to be 100 percent at the end of May."

Mata is as hungry as any of the national players after being hurt and unable to feature last year in front of the home fans. He left his U.S. home on 19 May for Mexico.

Valdeolmillos has spoken often about the importance of playing in the big tournaments. Even if Mexico do not win, they will gain experience at the highest level. It will help the sport's popularity grow in the country.

But can they win in Turin? Mexico haven't played at an Olympic Games since 1976 in Montreal.

"Every time, the players are growing in experience and why not dream?" Valdeolmillos said. "You have to dream."

As part of their preparations for the OQT, Mexico will host a triangular tournament from 10-12 June in Merida, Yucatan, against unnamed opponents thus far.

El Tri will then compete at the Centrobasket in Panama's Roberto "Manos de Piedra" Duran coliseum 20-26 June.

Mexico's last stage of preparations for the OQT will be in Europe, where Valdeolmillos and Co will go up against Senegal and the Czech Republic in friendly games.

FIBA