ARG - Herrmann reemerges for Argentina

BUENOS AIRES (FIBA Basketball World Cup) - Julio Lamas is willing to consider many things before the FIBA Basketball World Cup.

That includes bringing back former Olympic star Walter Herrmann into the team.

Herrmann had a leading role for the Argentinians when they defeated the United States in the Semi-Finals of the 2004 Olympics, paving the way for their Gold Medal Game triumph over Italy.

He then competed for the national side at the 2006 FIBA World Championship in Japan under Sergio Hernandez.

In a recent interview with Basquetplus in Argentina, Lamas was asked about Herrmann, who is playing for Atenas de Cordoba after taking the 2012-13 season off.

"Regarding Walter, first of all I am happy that he has returned to play," Lamas said.

"That in his whatsapp status it says "playing."

"I'm happy that he has decided to return to play so that his children see him.

"I'm delighted because I wish him well. I have known him since he was 14."

When it was put to Lamas that Herrmann wants to play for Argentina in Seville in World Cup Group B against Puerto Rico, Senegal, the Philippines, Croatia and Greece, the coach said: "It's a surprise for me that he wants to return to the national team, having voluntarily stepped down after 2006, and that also makes me happy.

"I will study the situation and I will see."

Of a greater interest at this point is whether or not Manu Ginobili will play.

The MVP of the 2004 Olympics, Ginobili has had a terrific NBA career with the San Antonio Spurs.

He will not make a decision about the World Cup until after the season.

"He is an important person," Lamas said. "He is the reference of the team, whether he plays or not at the World Cup.

"I've got a feeling that he wants to play and if he can, he will do so.

"My place as coach is that if he plays, I will be very happy and if he doesn't, I will understand.

"I can't say anything more regarding this."

Where there is no dispute is the indispensable Luis Scola, another member of the 2004 Olympic team, to the national team.

With other veterans unable to help last summer at the FIBA Americas Championship in Venezuela, Scola carried the national team on his back to a third-place finish and a spot in the FIBA Basketball World Cup.

"I met with Luis in Indianapolis and he confirmed that he will be in the team," Lamas said.

"He is accustomed to this situation, to his role in the team and the place he has in the team.

"The Argentinian national team is prepared for everything. We proudly represent our country in the Americas, always looking to reach the podium and compete at international level.

"We are prepared for everything except to play without Scola.

"The team needs at least two years more to prepare to play without Scola.

"This doesn't mean that Luis is better than Manu, but due to different reasons that have taken place in the past few years, we are not ready to be without Luis."

FIBA