BUENOS AIRES (CABB) - Argentina basketball supremo German Vaccaro is optimistic that Julio Lamas will be the new coach of the men's national team after meeting with the veteran coach on Monday.

Hernandez, who began coaching the national side at the 2005 FIBA Americas League through this year’s FIBA World Championship in Turkey, had wanted to continue.

He wanted his last tournament in charge to be the London 2012 Olympics, however, and the confederation wanted a longer-term commitment.

Lamas, who led the national side at the 1998 FIBA World Championship and the 1997 and '99 FIBA Americas Championships, now looks set for a return.

"Julio showed his predisposition and will to be here," said confederation president Vaccaro.

"I presented the project of the confederation and he shared his ideas.

"He was interested in coaching the national team again and we are satisfied."

The two men will hold further talks in the coming days.

Argentina will host the FIBA Americas Championship next year in Mar del Plata.

FIBA