Forward Joaquim Gomes rounds out five former Valparaiso men’s basketball players who have been selected to preliminary rosters in advance of the 2014 FIBA World Cup, as he is among 15 players on Angola’s preliminary squad for the upcoming tournament.

The veteran Gomes – who played at Valparaiso from 2000 through 2004 - has plenty of experience representing his native Angola at the highest levels internationally, as he has played for his country at three previous FIBA World Championships and a pair of Summer Olympics.  Gomes has helped Angola to the gold medal at the FIBA Africa Championship on four occasions, twice earning tournament MVP accolades.  He currently plays professionally in Angola for Primeiro de Agosto, which he has led to five gold medals at the FIBA Africa Clubs Champions Cup.

Gomes is one of five former Crusaders with the chance to represent their country later this summer at the 2014 FIBA World Cup.  As announced earlier this week, Ryan Broekhoff is in Australia’s preliminary squad, while Samuel Haanpaa, Shawn Huff and Antti Nikkila are all vying for a place in the Finland team.