ARG - It’s a grind for Delfino after hernia-op

BUENOS AIRES (Olympics) - Anyone that watched Carlos Delfino play for Argentina at the 2010 FIBA World Championship understands how vital he is for the squad at the London Games.

A two-time Olympian, the 29-year-old shooting guard averaged 20.6 points as the Argentinians came in fifth.

At 2.00m in height and possessing a muscular frame and great leaping ability, Delfino is a handful for any defender.

He had the ability to not only kill opponents with his jump shooting but to go inside and challenge taller players.

There were numerous times, like in the last 16 clash with Brazil that Argentina won 93-89, when Delfino seemed unstoppable.

Right now, Delfino is far from his best physically as he tries to prepare with the national team for the Olympics that will get underway in just over a month’s time.

Delfino missed 10 games this season with a right groin injury, including the last four of the regular season.

He had surgery on 3 May to repair a sports hernia related to the groin injury and was told it would take between six to eight weeks before he could started training.

Delfino is just getting back on the court now and finding it difficult.

"I feel great and eager, but the truth is that at this stage I expected to be better,” Delfino said.

"In a straight line, I can run a marathon, but when I have to goo side to side or make contact, that’s when problems begin.

“The biggest drawback I have is in the adductors."

Delfino may or may not play in all of Argentina’s friendly games before London.

On Thursday, they take on Uruguay in a warm-up.

"I don’t mind playing them,” he said. “I just hope to get well and look forward to the Games.”

Argentina won the gold medal at the 2004 Olympics and bronze in 2008.

At the London Games, they will play in Group A with France, Tunisia, the United States and two sides that come out of the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament.

FIBA