Hawks center Gustavo Ayon dons a sombrero, celebrating Mexico's 91-89 victory over Puerto Rico Wednesday in the FIBA Americas Tournament championship game in Caracas, Venezuela. Ayon was named the title game MVP.
Newly acquired Hawks center Gustavo Ayon was named MVP of the FIBA Americas Tournament Wednesday after leading Mexico to a 91-89 victory over Puerto Rico in the championship game.
Ayon had 20 points and 16 rebounds in the title clinching game. He also had 24 points and 12 rebounds in Mexico’s semifinal victory over favored Argentina. In 10 tournament games, Ayon averaged 17.2 points and 8.4 rebounds.
Mexico qualified for the 2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup in Spain by advancing to the semifinals.
The Hawks claimed Ayon off waivers from the Bucks on July 29. In 109 career NBA games, with the Hornets, Magic and Bucks, Ayon averaged 4.8 points and 4.3 rebounds. He will compete with Elton Brand and Pero Antic for frontcourt playing time this season.
Ayon can now join the Hawks after Mexico’s improbable tournament run. The Hawks open training camp with media day on Sept. 30.
“I’m excited for me, for my life, for my family,” Ayon told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution in July from Mexico City while training for the tournament. “I’m excited for the start of practice and to meet everybody.”
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