SAN JUAN (2009 FIBA Americas Championship) - Guard Carlos Arroyo of Puerto Rico and center Luis Scola of Argentina have showed without a doubt that they are the best in their positions and respective national teams after the first round of competition in the FIBA Americas Championship.

Arroyo leads the Puerto Rican team with an average of 18.2 points, 5.8 assists and 3.2 rebounds in 4 games, all won by the host team.

After the loss of Jose Juan Barea due to injury, Arroyo has been one of the main offensive weapons, and despite averaging 18.2 points, he hasn't taken many shots because of his high percentage from the field (60.6%).

Meanwhile Luis Scola has been the most consistent player of Argentina as they reached the second round with a positive record after starting 0-2. Scola averages 23.5 points and 6 rebounds.

Argentina couldn't accompany Scola offensively in the first games, but in the last two games players like Pablo Prigioni, Paolo Quinteros, Andrés Pelussi, Federico Kammerichs, Leo Gutiérrez, among other have helped him.

Other players who are performing well are Francisco García (DOM) who averages 20.5 points, Danilo Pinnock (PAN) with 19,8 and Leandro Barbosa (BRA) with 18.5 per game. In rebounds the leader is Esteban Batista (URU) with 12.8 followed by Gustavo Ayón (MEX) with 11.2 grabs. Finally in assists Pablo Prigioni (ARG) had 6.8, Carlos Arroyo 5.8 and Marcelo Huertas (BRA) along with Greivis Vasquez (VEN) 5.5 each.

The Quarterfinals begins on Tuesday where the physical condition and depth will be key to determine the top four teams that will qualify directly for the 2010 FIBA World Championship.

Luis Modestti
FIBA Americas