BUENOS AIRES, Argentina - June 30, 2005 - During their first training at the CENARD, where their vital signs, basketball abilities and physical health were evaluated, the BWB participants had the following to say to NBA.com:

Name: Roberto Aveda
Position: Forward
Country of Origin: Chile
Age: 18
Height: 2.00 mts
Favorite NBA player: Tim Duncan
I'm very excited about this opportunity to compete with players from different nationalities all over Latin America. I admire Ginoboli, what he's done for the NBA is amazing. I hope to learn from him quite a bit when we're training. It's incredible to be able to play with other players with different characteristics than I have.

Name: Enrique Coba
Position: Point Guard
Country of Origin: Venezuela
Age: 17
Height: 1.90 mts
Favorite NBA player: Kobe Bryant
This is a very interesting experience not only on the basketball side, but on the personal side as well for having the opportunity of meeting all the players that are representing their countries. The change in climate has been a bit hard since Venezuela is warm. I thank God for the opportunity to represent my country, I'll do my best and try to get as far as I can. I know that this can be a first step to some day make it to the NBA.

Name: Sergio Lopez
Position: Center
Country of Origin: Paraguay
Age: 19
Height: 1.91 mts
Favorite player in the NBA: Steve Nash
They’ve treated us great, the food, the rooms are excellent. After the first training, I see the level is very good and that there are excellent players from other countries. I’m very excited about having trainers and players with incredible experience in the NBA that are going to teach us their knowledge, so I’ll try to place close attention to all their advice.

Name: Alex García
Position: Guard
Country of Origin: México
Age: 17
Height: 2.00 mts
Favorite NBA player: Dwyane Wade
It feels great, the environment is wonderful. This will definitely be an unforgettable experience for us. The treatment that we’ve gotten is amazing, some of us had already been to Argentina. I feel like I’m at home, although it’s hotter in Mexico. Playing and sharing with all the players that have different cultures is interesting. Being with people with so much experience in the NBA motivates you to learn and improve your game.

Name: Josimar Ayaza
Position: Forward
Country of Origin: Panama
Age: 18
Height: 2.03 mts
Favorite NBA player: Kobe Bryant
All the players that are here have a high playing level, and every practice will be an opportunity to learn. I’m very happy because this experience for a player our age is fundamental.

Name: Angel Rafael Castro
Position: Forward
Country of Origin: Dominican Republic
Year: 17
Height: 1.92 mts
Favorite NBA player: Steve Nash
My goal is to participate in the All-Star game that takes place on the last day and shine amongst the rest. For me it’s an honor to represent my country, there are only three of us from D.R., so it’s a big responsibility and I’m real proud. The first training was not that hard. But we’ll be doing more difficult tasks further on.