ARG - Ginobili: Argentina in good shape with Scola, Prigioni

BUENOS AIRES (FIBA Americas Championship) - Manu Ginobili would love to help Argentina qualify for the 2010 FIBA World Championship in Turkey but the international basketball icon will only be able to support his teammates from the sidelines.

That's because the shooting guard is recovering from the troublesome ankle injury that has hindered him the past two seasons in the NBA and at last year's Olympics.

Ginobili sees no reason why Argentina's can't duplicate their strong showing in Las Vegas in 2007 when an under-strength squad finished runners-up to the United States in the FIBA Americas Championship to qualify for the Beijing Games.

"We have a great team," he said.

"Luis Scola is a reference in this national team and with Pablo (Prigioni), they know each other to perfection.

"I have no doubt in my mind that we will qualify for the World Championship."

Ginobili says he has seen the names of players that national team coach Sergio Hernandez will draw his players from and insists there is plenty of talent.

"I have been looking at the list made by Sergio and I think those who should be there are there," he said.

"It's a mix of experience and youth. This year it's going to be similar to the pre-Olympic tournament in Las Vegas, when I suffered a lot having to watch from the outside because I knew it was complicated for me to play.

"Now the aim is more accessible and I think we will qualify because we have great players and a lot of talent in the team."

Ginobili has tried to assure his NBA fans, meanwhile, that he will be back to his best with San Antonio next season.

"The doctors who have treated me for the fractured bone in my right ankle have told me that I will be in the right condition to return to the court in the best possible physical condition," he said.

FIBA