ARG – Former Argentina star Pepe Sánchez headed back to Liga Nacional

BUENOS AIRES (Liga Nacional) – Argentina’s long-time playmaker Pepe Sánchez is close to signing for Obras Sanitarias in the Liga Nacional.

Sánchez , the point guard on Argentina’s gold-medal winning side at the 2004 Olympics and the starter for the national team that reached the Semi-Finals of the 2006 FIBA World Championship, has held talks with the club.

"The meeting was very positive,” said Obras president Fabian Borro on his club’s official website.

“There were many similarities, many points we had in common. I hope we can realize his incorporation (into the team)."

Sánchez , 32, played last year for Real Madrid in Spain but ended his contract in April and returned home to Bahía Blanca in Argentina.

He said the return home was something he needed.

“Living the routine day to day without knowing that every morning there was anything scheduled ... Being with my family, friends and feeling at home is priceless,” Sánchez said to the Ole newspaper.

“I could not believe it when I opened the front door after having spent 15 years traveling around the world. The decision exceeded expectations. I came to feel a part of a place after so long.”

Sánchez hasn’t competed in Argentina’s top flight since the 1995-96 campaign, when he played for Estudiantes de Bahía Blanca.

He then left for the United States to play for the Temple Owls in the NCAA’s Atlantic 10 Conference.

Sánchez made history as the first person from Argentina to play in the NBA when he ran onto the court for the Philadelphia 76ers on October 31, 2000, in a game against New York.

Though he had stints with the 76ers and Atlanta Hawks in 2000 and 2001, in the 2002-03 campaign with Detroit after a year at Panathinaikos in Greece, Sánchez never solidified his place in the NBA.

He spent the bulk of his career (2003-09) in Spain’s ACB with Alicante, Unicaja Malaga, Barcelona and Real Madrid.

If he signs with Obras, Sánchez will be with good friends and former Argentina internationals Gaby Fernández and Juan Espil.

"I had a chat with Borro and there were many points in common,” Sánchez said.

“They just need to agree my contract. I really want to play, have fun, hang out with friends and give my best for the league.”

How long will it take for him to get back into game shape?

"I need a couple of weeks to settle into working life,” he said.

“At this time, I’ve maintained my weight with weights and aerobics work. By working smart and with a coach, I can get into rhythm within two weeks. I aim to get well for the play-offs.”

FIBA