ARG - Argentina begin build-up to Japan

 WIN a trip to the FIBA World Championship Finals weekend

MAR DEL PLATA (FIBA World Championship) - Argentina have begun their preparations for next month's FIBA World Championship in Japan, with coach Sergio Hernandez and his squad of 15 travelling to Mar del Plata for a training camp.

The Olympic champions will be there until Friday, when they will play the first warm-up friendly against Venezuela.

"The start of training generates expectation and for this tournament the expectations will be big because of our past results", said Hernandez.

"We will prepare with the highest intensity, with attention to detail and we are convinced of the challenge that lies ahead. Most of the players are rested but eager to begin the trials."

Manu Ginobili, arguably the most important player in the squad, added: "The idea should be a process of gradual evolution.

"As long as training and friendlies go on, the team should improve. We cannot presume this team will have a great performance in the first game. We demonstrated that at the Olympic games."

After the Venezuela game, Argentina will move to Santa Fe to start their second stage of training.

They are scheduled to play the traditional Super Four tournament against Venezuela, Brazil and New Zealand.

In the FIBA World Championship, Argentina have been drawn in Group A alongside reigning champions Serbia & Montenegro, France, Venezuela, Lebanon and Nigeria.

Argentina's preliminary squad: Juan Gutierrez, (Granada), Daniel Farabello, Gabriel Fernandez (both Varese), Pablo Prigioni, Luis Scola (both Tau Ceramica), Walter Herrmann, Juan Ignacio Sanchez (both Unicaja Malaga), Carlos Delfino (Detroit Pistons), Emmanuel Ginobili, Fabricio Oberto (both San Antonio Spurs), Andres Nocioni (Chicago Bulls), Leonardo Gutierrez (Ben Hur), Ruben Wolkowyski (BC Khimki), Paolo Quinteros (Boca Juniors), Hernan Jasen (Adecco Estudiantes).

PA Sport