Varejao, Leandrinho named in Brazil Olympic squad

Golden State Warriors pair Anderson Varejao and Leandrinho were Friday named in Brazil's preliminary 14-man basketball squad for the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.

Coach Ruben Magnano will cut two players from his list before the Games begin on August 5.

"Leandro is having a sensational season," Magnano said. "He has been making very few errors and shown some great decision-making."

"Varejao is a player that has a lot of attitude and was one of our best players at the last world championships (in 2014)."

The pair are currently playing a key role for Golden State Warriors as they hold a 2-1 lead over the Cleveland Cavaliers in the best-of-seven NBA finals series.

As expected, Magnano did not name Atlanta Hawks center Tiago Splitter, who is recovering from a hip injury.

But the absence of Chicago Bulls center Cristiano Felicio was a surprise.

"I was annoyed. He has great potential and Brazil has invested a lot in him at youth level," Magnano said. "Unfortunately we're not going to have him with us."

Brazil has been drawn in Group B for the Olympics alongside Lithuania, Spain, Argentina, Nigeria and another team that is yet to be confirmed.

The hosts' first match will be against Lithuania on August 7.

Brazil squad:

Point guards: Raulzinho (Utah Jazz), Marcelinho Huertas (LA Lakers), Rafael Luz (Flamengo)

Shooting guards: Leandrinho (Golden State Warriors), Vitor Benite (Murcia), Larry Taylor (Mogi das Cruzes).

Wings: Alex Garcia (Bauru), Marquinhos (Flamengo)

Forwards: Guilherme Giovannoni (Brasilia), Rafael Hettsheimeir (Bauru)

Centers: Anderson Varejao (Golden State Warriors), Nene (Washington Wizards), Vitor Faverani (Murcia), Augusto Lima (Real Madrid). Endit