Rockets Villegas takes shot at Olympic berth

5/20/2004

UT sophomore guard Sammy Villegas is returning to his homeland this summer in hopes of landing a spot with the Puerto Rican National Team that will compete in the 2004 Olympics in Athens.

A native of Carolina, P.R., Villegas will train during the month of June with current members of the Puerto Rican national team such as the Utah Jazz s Carlos Arroyo and the Milwaukee Bucks Daniel Santiago. Puerto Rico defeated the United States at the 2003 Pan American Games to earn a bronze medal.

“I ve always dreamed of playing for my country in the Olympics and now I have a chance to reach my goal,” Villegas said. “It s a great honor to receive a tryout and I will do my best and see what happens.”

If Villegas doesn t make the Olympic squad, he will become a member of Puerto Rico s entry for the Centrobasket Tournament. The Centrobasket is scheduled for July 7-11 in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, and will serve as a qualifier for the 2005 Americas Tournament that will decide the spots for the 2006 World Championships.

“This is a great opportunity for Sammy and it s going to be a