XALAPA (Mexico) - The FIBA ​​U16 Americas Championship has had the luxury of having the presence of former Argentine player Leonardo Gutiérrez, who is coaching his country's team in this event.

In Gutiérrez’s time as an active player, he was always recognized for his deadly three-pointers and for coming through in the most urgent moments. He has won the most championships in the Argentine league with 10, with five different teams. He also won continental and South American titles at the club level, and of course, what stands out most in his great career are the gold medal at the 2004 Athens Olympic Games and the bronze medal at Bejing 2008, with the famous Golden Generation from Argentina.

In 2017, "Leo" began his career as a coach in the National League with Peñarol de Mar del Plata and now holds the position in Ciclista Olímpico de La Banda. The Argentine Basketball Confederation (CABB) decided to give him the opportunity to take the reins of the U-16 national team, something he did not expect at first.

“This call took me by surprise. It is the first time that I am on this side of a national team and that I work with such young boys. I am enjoying it a lot, learning. Every day I learn more from the boys who have a lot of energy, who want to learn, want to develop. I am trying to pass the knowledge. I had the chance to play FIBA ​​Americas tournaments when I was a kid and being on this side brought back memories,” Gutiérrez said about his current experience.

The Albiceleste team had a great group stage and advanced to the Quarter-Finals undefeated, beating Canada, Brazil and Mexico, leaving quite the impression.

In his role as coach, Gutierrez has been carving out his own style but never neglects very characteristic values ​​of the Golden Generation, such as commitment and collective play. That's what he's been trying to instill in this group.

“All of us who are part of the Golden Generation, every time we have to be in a team with young and not so young people, we try to introduce that idea to the players. The team is the main thing and you have to put aside personal ego. I think these guys have something of that, they understand the idea of ​​playing together, of passing the ball, of being happy for an assist, for a steal, a rebound. ”

With only four years teaching guidelines on the bench and this being his first experience with a national team, Gutiérrez is clear that he has a lot to learn, but his goal is to one day coach the Argentine senior team.

“Of course, it is an objective to direct the senior team. When I was a player I dreamed of being there, now that I am a coach I dream of the same thing. But I have a long way to go, I think there are great Argentine coaches who are at a higher level and I am starting my career. I hope to be at a better level in a few years to be able to lead the senior team,” concluded Gutierrez, who is the highest scorer in National League history and who played 133 games with his country.

FIBA