BUENOS AIRES (Argentina) - Now that the date is confirmed to complete the first edition of the Basketball Champions League Americas, San Lorenzo is one of the teams that has already returned to training, with the aim of getting into the definition of the tournament. On October 25th the team will play the third game of the semifinals against Quimsa, which will grant the winner a pass to the final, where Flamengo awaits.

The "Cyclone" had to adapt to the new normal due to COVID-19. The squad lost important pieces such as Marcos Mata and Penka Aguirre, who are currently abroad. Plus, they added a new coach as Silvio Santander replaced Néstor García.

Santander shared insight of what is to come for San Lorenzo: "I am happy with the challenge because it really is a top-level club, which gives you opportunities to work and train. You have a set up organization that improves every year, you only focus on training. Now we are coming back little by little, with all the protocols, knowing that we should not rush physically and that we must balance anxiety with the commitments we have".

Silvio Santander has had a great career as a head coach and also as an assistant in the Argentine National Team. As technical director he won nine championships at the highest level: Argentina Cup (Regatas Corrientes), Super 8 (Regatas and Quimsa), Super 20 (Quimsa), LNBP (Soles de Mexicali), South American League (Regatas), National League (Quimsa) and two Challenge Cups (Regatas).

How does the new coach want to see San Lorenzo play? "I always tried to make my teams play good defensively, I like to take risks and run against the attack. You don't have to be tied to a system and you have to adapt to the staff you have. The pandemic does not help us with the assembling the squad, but we will work to present a high-level team".

In addition to Aguirre and Mata, Facundo Piñero and Agustín Cáffaro are playing outside Argentina and the future of Dar Tucker is still in the air since he is in the United States. Luciano González went to Flamengo and could be a rival in the BCLA final. Those who have committed to San Lorenzo are Jonathan Maldonado, José Defelippo, Kevin Hernández, Nicolás Romano, José Vildoza and Máximo Fjellerup.

The semifinal match will be held on October 25th, to define who will play the BCLA Final against Flamengo, five days later in Montevideo.

What does Santander think of this clash? "I think we are all in the same situation. It is 40 minutes in which strategy and tactics may be left aside and other factors will be carved out. It's different than a playoff series, so anything can happen. For example, in the final I consider that, although Flamengo has more time to prepare and compete, it is a unique match and anyone who passes the Argentines will be up to the task. It is one night and on neutral ground, I hope we can get there in the best way".

FIBA