HIROSHIMA (FIBA World Championship) - Panama coach Guillermo Vecchio believes his team have drawn plenty of positives from the experience despite their elimination from the FIBA World Championship.

"I think it is a good experience for us. We're growing up step-by-step," the Argentinian boss said.

"I repeat it - we have not had the suitable preparation.

"We all met each other five days before the beginning of the championship, but we demonstrated against Germany that we can play better basketball than we did in the other games."

Panama lost 81-63 to Dirk Nowitzki and his team but Vecchio praised the performance of his team in that game.

"This World Championship has been a great tournament, a very good experience for Panama," he said.

"I hope next year there will be a good schedule to improve the youth national teams and also the adult squad."

PA Sport