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.”
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