TIME IS PUMAREN’S NEMESIS AT SHOPINAS.COM

Definitely, time will not be on the side of coach Franz Pumaren as he tries to form a competitive team for the PBA’s newest ballclub, the Shopinas.com Clickers. With only a month to go before the opening of the local pro league's 37th season, it looks like the return of the former De LaSalle Green Archers champion mentor to the pro league will be a bumpy one. Pumaren, who played for the Ron Jacobs-mentored National squad in the 80’s, will try to build the team around his former La Salle star guard Renren Ritualo. He also plucked three rookies from the PBA draft last Sunday in Smart Gilas spark plug Mark Barroca (first round), former UP Maroons slotman Magi Sison (second round) and ex-JRU Heavy Bomber Mark Cagoco. Pumaren says he will try to get most of his players from the free-agent pool as he began conducting tryouts for the Clickers. Herewith is a complete list of players who reportedly showed up in the first day of Shopinas training camp:

“Mark Andaya, Mark Canlas, Marvin Cruz, Mark Cagoco, Dennis Daa, Chad Alonzo, Ogie Menor, Bambam Gamalinda, Khasim Mirza, Paolo Hubalde, Jojo Duncil, RJ Jazul, Gio Ciria Cruz, Angel Raymundo, Magi Sison, Pong Escobal, JR Aquino, and Hiram Bagatsing.”

BEASLEY'S INJURY: AN EYE-OPENER

Reports of Minnesota Timberwolves star forward Michael Beasley fracturing his left wrist while attempting to dunk during an exhibition game in China had vibrated throughout the NBA circles. It has cause an alarm for all those players entertaining thoughts of playing overseas during the lockout period. Beasley, who is in China together with another prominent NBA star Paul Pierce of the Boston Celtics, was putting on a dunking exhibition when the injury happened. Ira Winderman of NBC Sports says the Beasley incident could very well become an eye-opener to all NBA players, according to Pro Basketball Talk.

“This is not a moment about Michael Beasley or the Timberwolves or even such exhibition tours, which are typical of most offseasons.

"This well could be the moment when those previously so willing to head overseas during the lockout contemplate, give greater reflection to the possibilities of such an injury, weigh risks perhaps not previously considered.

"There is little doubt that over his three seasons, Michael Beasley has had a way of getting the NBA to pay attention.

"This time, though, it might provide pause to an entire league.”

HOPE SPRINGS ETERNAL

It may be a make-or-break meeting or it could lead to a delay and much worse, a total wipe-out of the 2011-12 season. The scheduled meeting on Wednesday (Thursday morning, Manila time) will be the second time between the league owners and the players union since the NBA lockout began last July 1. Everyone in the league including the fans worldwide are all hoping that something good comes out of the conclave and save the coming season. Player agent Billy Duffy says the coming meeting will be a serious one that could probably decide whether or not there would be an NBA campaign next season, according to Yahoo! Sports.

“This is a telltale meeting. I think we will know the seriousness of both sides’ position after Wednesday. I don’t think the season starts on time. There really has been no progress. The union has been patient on hoping there would be movement on the league side. The league hasn’t demonstrated any movement whatsoever while the union is flexible.”

SLAM PHL PRESENTS: KICKS

I finally got my copy of SLAM PHILIPPINES PRESENTS: KICKS (published by Titanomachy Publications, Inc.) last weekend. There were two covers for the first-ever KICKS magazine to be published in the country, Rajon Rondo of the Boston Celtics and Monta Ellis of the Golden State Warriors. Added attractions were special PHL hoops articles covering the PBA draft, UAAP and NCAA. Plus write-ups on Kemba Walker, Kobe Bryant, Blake Griffin, Yao Ming, Eric Gordon, Ray Allen, Dwight Howard, Nate Robinson, Shawn Kemp and of course, the 400 on-court, off-court and limted edition shoes. SLAM’s Ben Osborne talks on the emergence of cover boy Rondo as the “Big One” in Beantown, according to SLAMONLINE.

“On the court last season, Rondo averaged 10.6 points, 4.4 rebounds, 11.2 assists and 2.3 steals (the latter two each good for second in the League), firmly establishing that in terms of Boston’s MVP, the “Big Three” now all take a backseat to the “Big One.” And that’s exactly what Rondo is: a big 1, blessed with long arms, serious athleticism and a fine-tuned court sense that allows him to complete plays at both ends of the floor that most PGs wouldn’t even try. As well as LeBron and Wade played at the end of last spring’s Eastern Conference Semis, Celtic fans rightly wonder if things might have gone differently if Rajon hadn’t suffered that gruesome injury in G3.”

WITH THE CURRENT LOCKOUT, NBA D-LEAGUE WILL EMERGE

Do not despair hoops fans, there will be an American pro league come November. It may not come in the form of the NBA but the top minor league circuit, the NBA D-League. The NBDL may not have the big stars or top rookies of the NBA but they have their own set of promising players. These are the same players who continue to dream of making it big someday. Now, they will have all their chance to shine as NBA coaches can scout them first-hand with the expected wider TV coverage that they will garner from NBA TV if ever the current lockout eats up part of even whole of the coming NBA season. The NBDL, which was founded in 2001, has sixteen current teams all affiliated with NBA clubs. NBDL spokesman Patrick Mitsch explains that the operations of the D-league will not be affected by the ongoing NBA lockout, according to Indiana News Center.

“D League spokesman Patrick Mitsch says the one big difference will be the availability of NBA players. Mitsch says if the lockout continues, players who played in the NBA last season, or players drafted in the recent NBA Draft would not be allowed to play in the D League. Other than that, teams will be able to get players in the same way they have, and Mitsch says there will be a D League draft in the fall.”

VOGEL GETS READY

Without players to work out with, Indiana Pacers head coach Frank Vogel spends his time working out instead with his battery of deputies. Vogel, who steered the Pacers to a 20-18 win-loss record as an interim coach last season before creating some noise in the playoffs wherein they engaged the top seed Chicago Bulls in five exciting games, is closely getting acquainted to his new assistant coaches in Brian Shaw and Jim Boylen. He says he discusses a lot of things with both Shaw and Boylen with regards to the team’s game plans and other inputs, according to the Oklahoman.

“Specifically because we have new assistants, we're meeting more than we normally would, discussing game plans, getting on the same page with terminology, our approach toward our team and just picking the brains of my new assistants.”

MAGIC’S SEXCAPADES ON NEW JERRY WEST BOOK

Now it can be told. There is nothing to be surprised about Magic Johnson’s testing positive of the dreaded HIV in 1991. Author Roland Lazenby revealed many secrets and behind the scene scoops in his new book entitled, “Jerry West: The Life and Legend of a Basketball Icon”. The book says Johnson used to have 300 to 500 sex partners a year during his pre-HIV days with the Los Angeles Lakers, according to Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel.

“A stunning event that brought revelations about the climate of sexual frivolity around the Lakers. The team's locker room, and its sauna, had been a place where the star and other players had entertained women, even right after games. Johnson would retire to the sauna after a game, have sex, then put on a robe and return to the locker room for his postgame media interviews.”

LEBRON LOOKS FORWARD TO 2012 LONDON OLYMPICS

With an Olympic medals of gold (2008 Beijing) and bronze (2004 Athens) safely tucked under his belt, Miami Heat superstar LeBron James is not done yet with regards to his Team USA duties. James, who averaged 15.5 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 3.8 assists in eight outings during the 2008 summer games, has already pledge his commitment to play for the Nationals and defend their title in the 2012 London Olympics. James says he can not wait for the games to begin and bring home another gold medal to Team USA, according to Hoopshype.

“I’m committed. I can’t wait for it – to have an opportunity to go to London and defend our gold medal from Beijing. It’s going to be great. I’ve always loved the Olympics just to be around the athletes from all over the world. Not only in my country but to see all of the athletes, it’s so fun… I have a great deal respect for all other athletes that are competing as well.”

THE GENIUS IN CHOT REYES

When his back is against the wall and when push becomes a shove, Chot Reyes is one guy who truly knows what to do. Reyes pulled two rabbits off his hat in the persons of reserve import Maurice Baker and injured star Jason Castro. The two combined for 37 points, 17 rebounds and 9 assists to power the grand-slam seeking Talk N Text Tropang Texters to a whopping 104-78 rout of the Petron Blaze Boosters, and set-up a deciding seventh game for the season-ending PBA Governors Cup title. Reyes gambled on Baker, who has not played in the last 10 games, to replace the small, ineffective and defensive liability Scottie Reynolds. But the biggest contribution that Baker did in the crucial game six win was the leech-like defense on the Blazers prolific import Anthony Grundy. Baker did to Grundy what the latter did to Reynolds during games four and five. Baker limited Grundy to a measly five points which contributed greatly to Petron’s downfall. Reyes cited the great over-all game brilliance of Baker as the key to the Tropang Texters victory.

"All we did was tie the series. We came in tonight wanting to play 96 good minutes. We achieved the first half of it and now we’ve got to find a way to get the second half. All we wanted from Baker was to defend Grundy. That he was able to contribute on offense was a bonus.”

TEAM CANADA BADLY NEEDS HOMEGROWN NBA TALENTS

There are seven current Canadian Nationals plying their trade in the NBA but only three of them are suiting up for Team Canada in the coming FIBA Americas Olympic qualifiers in Mar Del Plata, Argentina. Miami Heat center Joel Anthony, former New York Knicks forward Andy Rautins and San Antonio Spurs 2011 top rookie pick Cory Joseph have all confirmed their commitment to play for the National team this year while the same can not be said of two-time NBA MVP Steve Nash of the Phoenix Suns, Sacramento Kings slotman Samuel Dalembert, Heat reserve center Jamaal Magloire and Cleveland Cavaliers highly-touted rookie Tristan Thompson. Rautins, son of Team Canada head coach Leo Rautins, acknowledged the strong opposition of NBA powered rivals in the FIBA meet and wonders why the latter four players continue to shy away from flag duty, according to the Toronto Sun.

“It certainly frustrates me because when you look at our team they could help us out a great deal, help the team get to a whole new level. For me, I think it’s first and foremost if you’ve got an opportunity to represent your country, you do it. Playing against professionals that are in the NBA, Euroleague allstars, this is basketball at its finest in the summer, so for some of these guys not to come out, some of these guys that are top talents top 10 picks in the league, it just doesn’t make sense to me.”

HOF SPOTLIGHT: CHRIS MULLIN'S PERSEVERANCE PAYS OFF

The original hoop junkie will be finally inducted into the Basketball’s Hall of Fame in Springfield, Massachusetts. Chris Mullin played college ball for St. John’s University and then spent 16 seasons in the NBA. The 6-6 Mullin, whose flat-top hairdo became as popular as his sweet shooting jumpers, posted career averages of 18.2 points, 4.1 rebounds and 3.5 assists per game in 986 total games with the Golden State Warriors and the Indiana Pacers. He was selected by the Warriors as the seventh pick over-all in the 1985 rookie draft. He was also a two-time Olympic gold-medalist with Team USA in 1984 and 1992 and a five-time All-Star. After his playing years, the Brooklyn native served as the Warriors General Manager from 2004 to 2009. Mullin says total perseverance, patience and long hours of practice made him one of the greatest shooters in NBA history, according to the San Francisco Chronicle.

“It wasn't like I went out into my backyard, threw the ball out and dove on it. I wasn't out there practicing how to take a charge. I went out and shot. And shot and shot and shot, just by myself.”

Video: OOOPS! MALAYSIAN PLAYER GOT THE WRONG BALL!

SMART GILAS SEMIS BID: ALL BOILS DOWN TO JAPAN GAME

What a final day of eliminations in the 33rd William Jones Cup Basketball Championship in Taipei. With South Korea virtually in, four other countries are vying for the remaining three semi final slots in the prestigious annual international meet. Defending champions Iran, Jordan, Chinese-Taipei and the Philippines are all currently locked up with 4-2 win-loss slates behind the pace-setting Koreans (5-1). A victory by Smart Gilas Team Pilipinas against dangerous Japan today will send coach Rajko Toroman’s charges outright into the final four. However, if the much-improved Japan scores an upset win then things will get complicated for Smart Gilas. Jordan and Iran will try to knock each other out, while Chinese-Taipei will try to score a win over the Sokors to ensure their entry into the semis. A possible three-way tie is also possible if the Philippines drop their game vs. Japan, a Chinese-Taipei loss and the loser of the Iran-Jordan tiff. The quotient system will then determine who goes in. Toroman remains upbeat of their chances against Japan but he also knows that it will not be an easy outing for the Nationals, “Japan is a good team, they have players who never give up and they have great shooters. I think though that we have an advantage inside and we have to use that. But it won’t be an easy game.”

TNT-PETRON FINALS GAME 3: ALL-OUT WAR

Things are now back to square one and the best-of-seven finals series has virtually turned into a best-of-five affair in the PBA Governors Cup finals between grand-slam seeking Talk N Text Tropang Texters and Petron Blaze Boosters. If the first two games are the indications of what will happen in the pivotal game three, then expect more blood oozing from bruising fouls and bodies flying as both teams has declared an all-out war for the season-ending diadem. The Boosters drew first blood via a heart-stopping win in the opener, 89-88 but the Tropang Texters evened things up with a resounding rout in a very physical game two victory, 105-83. TNT head coach Chot Reyes thinks his charges are all-pumped up for game three after totally outplaying the Boosters in the final half of game two, “One thing that we wanted to do in Game Two was to come out with a lot of physicality because they’re really beating us in giving rough and hard fouls. At the half, I asked my players if they were intimidated because we’re not going to win this series playing like sissies. We manned up, we became stronger; and we took it right through them because this is war. The only way we’re going to win is if we play as physical. If they throw cheap shots, we’ll give it right back at them. We should hit them harder.” On the other hand, Boosters head coach Ato Agustin reiterates his stand for his boys not to back down and give back what they receive from TNT on the court, “Patibayan na ng dibdib ang series na ito (The series is now about who’s got the bigger heart). We’re playing physical because it’s their game. Of course, we’ll not allow ourselves to be pushed around. It won’t change. We just have to be ready for their transition offense. The guys lost their focus in the second. It seemed that they’re affected by the Ranidel de Ocampo incident. Subconsciously, they might be thinking Talk n Text would get back.” Expect all roads lead to the Big Dome tonight.

EIGHT TEAMS IN ABL’S THIRD SEASON

(ABL Photo)

Things has become more interesting in the ASEAN Basketball League (ABL) as another new franchise is set to see action in the third season which reels off on January 14, 2012. Exactly a month after the entry of Philippines San Miguel, an eight team and the second franchise out of Thailand, Bangkok Basketball Holdings became the newest franchise of the fledgling regional pro league. The BBH is owned by business partners Tom Griffin and Jeffrey Premer. ABL league officials and team owners warmly welcomed the newest member with open-arms, according to the league’s official website.

Kuhan Foo (ABL Chief Executive Officer): “Bangkok Basketball Holdings is a welcome addition to the ABL. This reinforces the growth of the ABL in the past 2 seasons. With them on board it also shows that the basketball playing talent in the region is now increasing and with the inclusion of the new teams and with our foundation members now throwing out a larger net to seek talented players, it is going to be a bright future for basketball in the ASEAN region.”

Dr. Mike Romero (Philippine Patriots): “I salute the whole ABL organization for another prized team recruit, after San Miguel Philippines, Bangkok Basketball.  The ABL is truly becoming the biggest premiere basketball league in the whole ASEAN region.  ABL is truly growing in leaps and bounds.  The excitement between teams and countries is likewise growing.  The ABL is truly the future of ASEAN basketball.”

Ruben Gnanalingam (Westports KL Dragons): “It’s great that there has been two new teams joining the league, it is a big step forward for the expansion of the ABL and basketball in South East Asia as a growing sport. I am very sure that this is just the beginning and there will be more teams from other countries as well in time to come. The Westports KL Dragons would like to extend a warm welcome to the new ownership group in Bangkok on being part of the league. I am sure the level of competition is going to be higher in the league as we’ve seen how strong basketball in Thailand has become.”

Michael Johnson (Singapore Slingers): “The announcement of the Bangkok Basketball Holdings joining San Miguel as confirmed new teams for the 2012 ABL season is another huge boost to the league. Thailand will now have its own local rivalry with them joining the current ABL champion Thailand Slammers in the league. Fans of the ABL can look forward to a bigger and better ABL season starting January 2012.”

LARRY BROWN WAS ALMOST A CELTIC

Peter May’s best-seller book, “TOP OF THE WORLD (Inside Story of the 2008 NBA Champion Boston Celtics)," revealed lots of very interesting behind-the-scene and never been told stories which chronicled the Beantown’s magical season. Did you know that Hall of Famer coach Larry Brown almost became an assistant coach for the Celtics during the 2007-08 campaign? Yes, Celtics head coach Doc Rivers, who played for Brown during his days with the Los Angeles Clippers, offered the top deputy mentoring post to the architect of the 2004 NBA champions, the Detroit Pistons. Rivers thinks that Brown is a perfect fit as the top practice coach with Boston. Brown, who was then with the front office of the Philadelphia 76ers, initially accepted the offer of his former top point guard. Celtics President of Basketball Operations Danny Ainge then gave his blessings to Rivers to pursue Brown. But Brown, who is famous for his ever-changing moods, decided to remain with the 76ers. When Brown called back a week later to inquire about the Celtic job, Rivers said that he had already signed erstwhile Houston Rockets assistant coach Tom Thibodeau, who was instrumental in turning the Celtics as the best NBA defensive team in 2007-08. And the rest is history.

NOLI EALA: THE REAL MAN BEHIND THE SMART GILAS SUCCESS

Everyone knows that the successful Smart Gilas national program is the brain child of business tycoon and Samahang Basketbolista ng Pilipinas (SBP) president Manny V. Pangilinan. But who is the man who put the program altogether? Was it former SBP executive director Patrick Gregorio, current team manager Frankie Lim or present SBP executive director Sonny Barrios? Sorry guys, but it’s none of the above. It was former SBP executive director/ Smart Gilas team manager Noli Eala who made it all happened. It was the former PBA commissioner who hired current head coach Rajko Toroman, naturalized citizen Marcus Douthit and the collegiate pool that made up the national team program. Eala, who became friends with Toroman during the 2007 FIBA Asia championship in Tokushima, sought the services of the top-caliber Serbian mentor to handle the Smart Gilas national squad. Eala left the SBP with the Smart Gilas program in good hands to pursue a career in the corporate world. Eala says it feels great to see all his labor and sacrifices comes into fruition with regards to the Smart Gilas program, which aims to bring back the country among the elite teams in Asian hoops, according to his twitter account.

“I brought Rajko to the team. I brought all the players. I brought the coaches. No matter what people say I did my job.”

DÉJÀ VU FOR DANNY ILDEFONSO

Fourteen-year veteran and two-time MVP Danny Ildefonso turned back the hands of time as he powered the Petron Blaze Boosters to a shocking 89-88 victory over the heavily favored and grand-slam seeking Talk N Text Tropang Texters in the opener of the best-of-seven PBA Governors Cup championship series. The 34-year-old former National University Bulldogs stalwart scattered the final four points for the Blazers including the winning jumpshot at the buzzer. It was an exciting, wild and woolly windup which left the crowd at the big dome in a euphoric state after the final buzzer. Ildefonso, who finished with 13 points, says it feels great with his first ever buzzer-beater in his checkered pro career and gracefully thanked the Lord for the nail-biting win.

“It was the first time in my career that I made a buzzer-beating winning shot. I was so happy it happened in this game – the start of a finals where we’re the decided underdogs. God is so good. We’re not here if not for Him. Siya na ang nag-shoot noon (God made that shot).”

Video: DURANT DROPS 66 POINTS AT RUCKER PARK

<a href="http://msn.foxsports.com/video?vid=0a3eb6ca-5d87-44ca-97cd-530ddfe31630" target="_new" title="">Durant drops 66 at Rucker Park</a>

SMART GILAS BADLY NEEDS A TRIGGERMAN

Everybody knows that size will be not be in favor of Smart Gilas Team Pilipinas in the coming FIBA-Asia Olympic qualifiers in Wuhan, China next month. Even though how good or great the system of well-known FIBA game expert coach Rajko Toroman, the Filipinos will be in a big disadvantage playing our tall Asian rivals. To break the dreaded zone defense by the strong oppositions, Smart Gilas needs a great outside shooter to open up the middle for big guys Marcus Douthit, Asi Taulava and Japeth Aguilar and likewise negate the height disadvantage. Gone were the days when pure shooters was an integral part of the national team like Bogs Adornado and Jun Papa in the 70’s, and Allan Caidic, naturalized citizen Chip Engelland, Alfie Almario and Ludivico Valenciano of the 80’s. Among the Smart Gilas players, Dondon Hontiveros, Mac Baracael, Chris Tiu, JV Casio and Jimmy Alapag are being relied upon by Toroman for outside artillery but none among the aforementioned players can be considered a pure shooter or a triggerman. Fil-Am Chris Lutz was advertised as a deadly outside gunner before he was tapped to join the Gilas squad. But so far, Lutz has been inconsistent with his outside bombs. One PBA player that could have been considered for the nationals is Jeff Chan of the Rain Or Shine Elasto Painters. The 6-2, former FEU Tamaraws standout’s game is built in the mold of a Caidic and has bailed out the Elasto Painters several times with his deadly outside shooting. In the battlefield in Wuhan, Smart Gilas may be ready for war but the need for an accurate outside artillery will further help our chances of securing an Olympic berth.

IT’S ALL ABOUT NUMBERS IN PBA FRIDAY THRILLER

For the first time in PBA history, there will be no knockout playoff game but instead numbers will decide the second finalist in the Governors Cup via the quotient system. With the grand slam seeking Talk N Text Tropang Texters having clinched the first championship slot, the last semis double-header today will reveal who among the idle Alaska Aces, Petron Blaze Boosters and Barangay Ginebra Kings will make it to the finals of the season-ending conference. The Blazers will play the Texters while the Kings will tangle with the already out of contention Rain Or Shine Elasto Painters in the last playing day prior to the finals. Here are the possible scenarios: both Petron and Ginebra loses, Alaska is in the finals; a Petron win and Ginebra loss, it would still be the Aces; both Petron and Ginebra wins, the Blazers would be in; and a Petron loss and a Ginebra win, the Kings are in the finals.


 “We just have to go out and be aggressive both on offense and defense. Talk 'N Text is so quick in transition, so we have to speed back on defense, play them in a half court game. We'll do our part na manalo muna, bago kami magdasal na sana manalo din ang Ginebra”, Blazers head coach Ato Agustin said.

On the other hand, Alaska head coach Tim Cone is totally exasperated with the quotient system adopted by the league for this conference, “I`m not a believer in a championship berth being decided by quotient. I’m not happy about this. This is the first time that this has happened in the PBA in all my years of coaching in the league. No matter who advances, losing a championship berth by quotient would be a terrible disappointment. But that`s the hand we`ve been dealt and we have to live with that.”

SMART GILAS IS READY FOR WAR

The Smart Gilas Team Pilipinas are in high spirits as they begin their final preparations for the FIBA-Asia qualifiers next month when they see action in the 2011 William Jones Cup Basketball Championship in Taipeh starting tommorow. Smart Gilas will play gulf state powerhouse Jordan in the opener that will be televised locally by TV5’s AKTV on IBC13 and ESPN Philippines, respectively. Team skipper Chris Tiu is looking forward for at least a finals stint in the annual tournament, “Coach Rajko thinks we have a chance at a top three finish but I’m confident we could land in the top two. They say Hamed Haddadi is playing so if he does, we’ll get a glimpse when we play Iran in our last game.” On the other hand, National head coach Rajko Toroman says the Jones Cup is a great tune-up for the team and he also expect Smart Gilas to finish among the top three teams in the tourney, according to the Philippine Star.

“We’re hoping to finish in the top three even though we expect a tough field. The Jones Cup will be a good experience for us because we’re going to play strong teams that would make us tougher in time for the Wuhan tournament.”

ROCK STAR WELCOME FOR ERIK SPOELSTRA IN MANILA

Miami Heat Filipino-American head coach Erik Spoelstra continued to bring NBA FIT to Metro Manila schools to preach the gospel of a healthy and active lifestyle to kids, teachers and families everywhere. At Torres High School, the Department of Health through Dr. Irma Asuncion, head of its Health Promotions Board reaffirmed the DOH’s partnership with the National Basketball Association (NBA) in promoting health and wellness to the greatest number possible.

TEAM ARGENTINA EYES FIBA AMERICAS CROWN

Being the tourney’s host and boasting a line-up with NBA veterans, Team Argentina has become the title favorite in the coming FIBA Americas Olympic qualifiers starting August 30 in Mar De Plata. Argentina head coach Julio Lamas welcomes with open arms the return of San Antonio Spurs small forward Manu Ginobili in the national squad. Argentina leads the Group B cast with Puerto Rico, Uruguay, Panama and Paraguay. Lamas says his team has the necessary experience to win the championship, which could be a first for Argentina on a tournament which serves as an Olympic qualifier, according to FIBA website.

“Argentina has never won the tournament when it serves as an Olympic qualifier. It will not be easy, but with the players we have, we have to aspire to win this, even while offering respect to our opponents. The games will not be won before they have been played. I think the experience of our players ensures we will not underestimate any situation we will find in the tournament. I'm calm, and know the favourites do not always become the champions. We must perform as a team.”