Casalánguida and Argentina gear up to fight for a South American Medal
SAN NICOLAS (South American Championship) - Argentina began its preparation for the South American Championship. As in recent years, while they search for the title, they will try to develop some young talent thinking about the not so distant future.
The team is completing it first practices in the city of San Nicolas, under the leadership of Coach Nicolas Casalánguida, who has experience in the regional tournaments of 2010 and 2014.
Casalánguida explained the expectations Argentina will have for this South American Championship at Caracas, in the same year the team will face the Olympics Games of Rio de Janeiro.
Primera práctica del grupo del Sudamericano en San Nicolás pic.twitter.com/WH76T8APKb
— CABB (@cabboficial) June 14, 2016
"It's a very important tournament because we are historical animators of this tournament and is a prestige that needs to be revalidated in every edition. In addition, it is valuable because it gives international experience to players who need it as they are progressively inserted in the national team. Representing Argentine basketball in any tournament involves a responsibility. At the same time we want to create a playing identity and commitment, so the team is sustained for the coming years," quoted the coach.
In the initial preliminary list of 23-players, there were 21 players that are participating in the National League of Argentina and 10 players under 23 years. However, there will be several absences. Patricio Garino and Nicolas Brussino (Utah Jazz) are practicing with NBA teams, but Brussino will be integrated later to the practices. In turn, forward Juan Pablo Vaulet and guard Nicolas Richotti will be absent due to physical problems.
"After the South American Championship, a group of players will be added to the preliminary squad to for the Olympic Games, while the rest, plus some other players will travel to China to compete in the Stankovic Cup. This time we are having trouble adding players who are playing at the LNB final, because of the overlap with the preparation of the National Team. There is an interesting mix of experience and youth, although they have the skills to compete," said Casalánguida.
Among the absences will be Garino, who left a very good impression at the 2015 FIBA Americas Championship.
"Garino will be one of Argentina’s leading figures in the future, not only because of his sporting qualities, but also because of his education, maturity, and the values he has forged with effort and his desire to progress. He had a place in this team, now there is a great opportunity for other players," said Casalánguida.
It is quite possible that a good performance in the South American Championship will allow a player a spot in the Olympics. The coach must manage the situation so that individual goals are not placed above the team’s objectives.
"The National Team of Argentina is the best thing that can happen to a player. It is a place where excellence is sought as a habit, not an act. So being there is so precious. Values and identity of the national team should not give in to any particular interest. Everyone who comes to the national team knows they must give up their own interests for the collective goals. That's a standard. Hopefully, once the tournament ends, Sergio Hernandez can choose several players who participated in the South American to join the process for the Olympic Games. That will mean that the process was positive and productive," said Casalánguida.
Argentina will travel to Caracas in search for their 14th South American title, but also, as the coach explained for the development of young players.
"Both objectives can interact, it depends on the competition. The demand raises the performance of the players and the South American Championship can provide responsibilities that generate player’s growth. That does not mean that Argentina is out from the fight for the podium, on the contrary. It is our duty to prepare to fight for a medal," said Casalánguida.
Although he is still a young coach, Casalánguida has worked for seven seasons on the National Team structure.
"Coaching for a third South American Championship is wonderful. I thank those who trusted me during this time. Whenever I start this process I think of it as my last. That's why I enjoy it to the maximum. Today I have more experience than I had at my first South American Championship in 2010. But I still have the same desire of seeing the Argentine flag on top at the end of the tournament," he concluded.
FIBA
