SAPPORO (FIBA World Championship) - Julio Toro has left his post as coach of Puerto Rico following their elimination at the FIBA World Championship.

The news was confirmed after the 73-72 defeat by Italy in their final Group D game, bringing an end to almost three decades with the national squad.

Toro, who has been part of the set-up since becoming assistant coach in 1978, said: "In more than 160 matches with this team, I want to be remembered as somebody who did his best.

"I've taken good and bad decisions. It happens. We can win or lose, but I've always been there."

Despite their disappointing results, Toro, who had said before the tournament he would step down, believes the national team will remain in good hands.

"Puerto Rico's future is promising, because in this team there are veteran players who are young. A lot of them are less than 30 and are vastly-experienced too," he continued.

"I think this team will remain in the place they have always been, trying to challenge the opportunities they will have.

"For us, the biggest goals are the World Championships and the Olympic Games."

PA Sport