ARGENTINA (FIBA AmeriCup 2017) – For 3 consecutive days, the Osvaldo Casanova Stadium in Bahía Blanca —also known as Club Estudiantes Stadium— was the home of all basketball lovers. A small but grandiose stadium has countless stories to tell in this basketball city. Legendary players and coaches, Olympic medalists, and champions are displayed in every hallway. Four outstanding teams gave everything in each game. It was 3 days of pure basketball in Group B, that ended in a grand recognition.

Former Argentine players Juan Espil, Alejandro Montecchia, Juan Ignacio "Pepe" Sánchez and Hernán Jasen —historic Bahia Blanca players, champions and Olympic Medal winners—, were acknowledged by the Argentine Basketball Confederation during the closing Argentina and Virgin Islands game’s downtime.

The famous Real Madrid announcer, Pedro Bonofiglio, called them one by one, as they received a recognition plaque on the center court. They were cheered by more than 3000 people at Osvaldo Casanova Stadium, where Group B finished their 2017 FIBA AmeriCup participation.

“It's a beautiful night. It's a basketball night and I didn’t expect it. It’s very nice to see a basketball night in Bahía Blanca," were the only words that an emotional and teary Pepe Sánchez could utter. Sánchez is a member of the Golden Generation, a gold medalist in the 2004 Athens Olympic Games, and current head coach for Club Bahía Basket.

Juan Espil: Participated in the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games, gold medal at the 1995 Argentina Pan American Games. 3 FIBA Americas Championship (Bronze, Puerto Rico 1993; Silver, Argentina 1995; Bronze, Puerto Rico 1999)

Alejandro Montecchia: Gold, 2004 Athens Olympic Games; runner-up, Indianapolis 2002 FIBA World Championship.

Hernán Jasen: 2 FIBA Americas Championship (Silver, 2005 Dominican Republic; Gold, 2011 Argentina); Bronze, 2006 Venezuela FIBA South American Championship.

Juan Ignacio Sánchez: Gold, 2004 Athens Olympic Games; runner-up, Indianapolis 2002 FIBA Basketball World Cup; Bronze, 2004 FIBA Diamond Ball; 2 FIBA Americas Championship (Bronze, Puerto Rico 1999; Silver, Puerto Rico 2003); Gold, Valdivia 2001 South American Championship.

FIBA