NEW YORK (2010 FIBA World Championship) – Rafa Martinez was in the Big Apple on Wednesday when he got the news his chances of making it to the FIBA World Championship with Spain had improved.

The Power Electronics Valencia guard, whose name was on the initial 24-man list, was told he’d been included in Spain's 15-man preliminary squad.

In New York not because of Thursday’s NBA Draft but rather on holiday, the 28-year-old Martinez gushed with pride.

“It is a dream for any player, after so many years looking for it,” he said.

“It is a reward for this work.

"I remember many coaches and many people who have trusted me both in Valencia and in Manresa.

“I remember all who have helped me, because I have experienced so much."

Martinez has worn the national team shirt before.

Eight years ago, he played at the European Championship for Young Men in Lithuania.

He has yet to make it in the final senior team squad, though.

Chances like that don't come around often because there are so many good guards in the country.

Two of the national team playmakers, Raul Lopez and Carlos Cabezas, had been in the initial 24-man preliminary squad but were not named in the 15-man group on Wednesday.

Martinez, who hit a buzzer-beating three-pointer in Valencia’s upset of Barcelona this year and also played a pivotal role for the club as it qualified for the Eurocup and then won the competition, will do everything he can to make the final roster.

The players will gather on July 21 to begin the preparations.

"I'm going with the mentality to train hard, to leave everything on the court and take advantage of this great prize,” he said. “Since I'm in (the 15), I will fight to get into the 12."

Spain will play in Group D at the FIBA World Championship.

Their Preliminary Round games will be in Izmir against New Zealand, Canada, Lebanon, Lithuania and France.

FIBA