BUENOS AIRES (2015 FIBA Americas Championship) - Marcos Mata knows that he has an important role for Argentina this summer.

At 28 years of age and with plenty of experience in the national team setup, the 2.01m small forward is in position to help Argentina transition into a new era by providing leadership on and off the court.

He stands a good chance of playing a lot of minutes for coach Sergio Hernandez at the Pan American Games (21-25 July) and the FIBA Americas Championship (31 August - 12 September).

Mata knows that Argentina are going to face a real dogfight to make it to the Rio de Janeiro Games, something they will do if the national side can reach the Final of the FIBA Americas Championship in Mexico City.

They would clinch a spot in the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament (OQT) with a third-, fourth- or fifth-place finish.

Right now, Mata is only focusing on the Pan American Games, where he will attempt to solidify his role with the team and also help Argentina win games.

"The reality is that we know that every day and every week, our game will find better rhythm, which is what we expect for the Pan American Games," Mata said.

"The human element in the group is very good.

I think as a team, we will continue to improve a lot. - Mata

"The attitude and desire are always good and obviously, we want to continue placing Argentina as high as possible."

Rather than make predictions or set targets, for Mata what counts is gradual improvement.

Players need to find chemistry and and also shoulder responsibility.

"This will be day by day, game by game," he said.

"You never know what will happen.

"At the 2013 FIBA Americas Championship, when we had to play against Canada for the classification, many things were said but we made it, so here you never know."

Argentina won that critical game, 73-67.

"As I said, the most important thing is the attitude and the desire," Mata said.

FIBA