The bulk of Team Jamaica Basketball left the island yesterday for the 2013 International Basketball Federation (FIBA) Americas Championship in Caracas, Venezuela.

Aside from first-time entrants Jamaica and the hosts Venezuela, the August 30 to September 11 tournament will feature Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Dominican Republic, Mexico, Paraguay, Puerto Rico, and Uruguay.

The Jamaicans will open the tournament against 2009 fourth-place finishers Canada on Friday.

The following day, the Jamrockerz square off with Uruguay, before a big date with 1995 champions Puerto Rico on September 2.

The final preliminary round game for the ‘Rockers’ will be on September 3 against 2009 winners Brazil.

The FIBA Americas Championship has, in previous editions, seen participation from NBA stars such as Canada’s Steve Nash and Argentina’s Manu Ginobli.

Argentina won the previous Championship when they hosted in 2011.

The 2013 FIBA Americas Championship awards four spots to the World Championship, which is scheduled to be held next year in Spain.

Squad — Dylan Ennis, Adrian Uter, Patrick Ewing Jr, Garfield Blair, Weyinmi Rose, Akeem Scott, Durand Scott, Jerome Jordan, Christopher Walker, Adrian Forbes, Samardo Samuels, and Vashil Fernandez.

Management staff — Ajani Williams (general manager), Sam Vincent (head coach), Richard Polack (assistant head coach), Sharone Wright (assistant head coach), Elfraito Remikie (team coordinator), Roger Chisholm (equipment manager), Daniella Goode (team massage therapist), Keon Weise (head trainer), Dr Melita Moore (team physician).