CARACAS (2016 Rio Olympics) - There is as much excitement in Venezuelan basketball these days as there ever has been. That, of course, is owed to the national team, a spirited bunch of players led by a tactically sound and emotionally-charged coach, Nestor 'Che' Garcia, at last year's FIBA Americas Championship in Mexico City.

The Vinotinto struggled to get wins in the build-up, including at the Pan American Games in Toronto where their only victory came in the battle for seventh place against Mexico.

Yet they peaked at the right time in 2015. Garcia's squad dug deep and proved that anything is possible in international basketball, winning the FIBA Americas Championship for the first time in their history and clinching a spot at the Rio 2016 Olympics.

Venezuela (VEN) celebrate at the 2015 FIBA Americas Championship

There is a distinct buzz is in Venezuela this weekend. On Friday and Saturday, Barquisimeto will be the city were the FIBA Liga de Las Americas Final Four is staged. Garcia will coach the host team, Guaros de Lara, one that has several members of the country's national team.

Basketball is also taking center stage because of what is happening half a world away in Mies, Switzerland. That is where the draw for the Olympic tournaments will be held on Friday afternoon (15:30 CET/GMT +1), at FIBA's headquarters.

Additionally, there has been good news this week on the national team front concerning star guard Heissler Guillent. The 29-year-old Guaros playmaker went down with a partial rupture of an Achilles tendon in late January and needed surgery. Guillent has let every know in comments published by the Venezuelan Basketball Federation that his recovery is going very well.

I feel excellent. I am fulfilling my routines and seeing daily progress. I feel much better. I'm psyched to recover 100% and be back on the court doing what I like. - Guillent

Guillent's presence in Rio will be crucial for Venezuela. In their last three performances at the FIBA Americas Championship, he took his game to new heights, averaging almost 16ppg.

Remember the four three-pointers that he made in the team's 79-78 victory over Canada in the Semi-Finals that qualified the team for the Olympics? That effort endeared him to Venezuela fans forever.

Another important squad issue concerns the health and availability of the team's only NBA player, Greivis Vazquez. The 29-year-old has not played since 27 November after having an operation to remove a bone spur and loose bodies from his right ankle.

He is expected back on the court with the Milwaukee Bucks any day, now. Vazquez chose not to play last summer but wants to be in Rio with the Olympic team. 

A healthy Vazquez would give Venezuela a very talented player. What would it do for the group's chemistry?

At least one player, John Cox, is ready to welcome Vazquez back with open arms. In comments published by liderendeportes.com, Cox gave a thumbs-up to Vazquez's potential return.

He has been a part of the national team for a long time, is a good player, maybe the best player for us looking ahead to the Olympics. It is good news. I love that he wants to participate. - Cox

FIBA