ARG - Argentina get official send-off

BUENOS AIRES (FIBA World Championship) - Argentina president Cristina Fernandez has given the national team an official send off as they prepare to travel to Spain ahead of the FIBA World Championship in Turkey.

Senior players, including Paul Prigioni, Andres Nocioni, Paolo Quinteros, Hernan Jasen and Juan Gutierrez met with the president at the Casa Rosada in Argentina.

"I want to congratulate you on how well you are representing our country and for all the success you have achieved," Fernandez said. "This is among the most important basketball teams in the history of Argentina."

Fernandez then joked she was relying on her husband, Nestor Kirchner, to help her stay abreast of the team's progress.

"Kirchner played basketball and knows more than me," she added. "He played in his youth, but I don't know how good he was because I didn't know him then."

Fernandez then assured the team they would have the support of all Argentina.

"We wanted to bring them to the home of governmnent on behalf of all Argentinians, so that they may continue to represent us with the same enthusiasm and pride as usual."

And the visit seemed to inspire the players.

"This is a nice incentive on our departure," said Jasen. "It gives us motivation to go harder in the World Championship."

Andres Nocioni, moving well on his sprained ankle, added: "This helps the Argentinian basketball program. Meetings like this our very important for our sport, because we need everyone's support."

FIBA

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