Brazil selects Soares for World Cup qualifiers

Sydney Kings big man Tim Soares has been rewarded for his strong play in the NBL this season, by being named in Brazil's national team for this month's FIBA World Cup qualifiers.

Soares, who represented his country twice in the 2021 Americas World Cup qualifiers, and his Brazilian team will take on both the United States (in Washington on November 11) and Mexico (in Chihuahua City on November 14) during the FIBA window.

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Both these fixtures loom crucial for the second-placed in Group F Brazilian side (who have a 5-3 record), with the US (7-1) and Mexico (5-3) sitting in first and third respectively - with only four qualification games remaining.

"It’s an honour to represent my country," said Soares, who is averaging 8.75 points, 5.13 rebounds and 1.38 blocks this season with the Hoops Capital side.

"Brazil has a great history in basketball and it is a growing sport in the country - so helping Brazil qualify means continuing that legacy.

"We will need to play two great games to beat US and Mexico but I'm looking forward to playing against good competition."

Soares, who will be joined in the national squad by Yago, Huertas, Vitor Benite, Gui Deodato, Georginho, Rafa Mineiro, Leo Meindl, Bruno Caboclo,  Lucas Dias, Cristiano Felicio and Lucas Mariano, credited his time in the harbour city to help him prepare for the rigours of international hoops.

"Playing for the Kings [this season] has helped develop some of my skills which will definitely transfer over to FIBA basketball," said the 25-year-old.

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Soares is one of three Kings players that will be in action during November's FIBA window, with Xavier Cooks and Dejan Vasiljevic both representing Australia.

Before Chase Buford's side breaks, they'll travel to New Zealand to play the Breakers in a top-of-the-table clash on Sunday, November 6 from 2pm AEDT - with it being broadcast live on 10 Peach and ESPN via Kayo Sports and Foxtel.