ARG – Lamas feels huge sense of responsibility as coach of Argentina

BUENOS AIRES (FIBA Americas Championship) – Julio Lamas is going to be leading “the most important team of his career” after being appointed as coach of Argentina.

The veteran tactician has taken the reins of a national side that were held by Sergio Hernandez from 2005 through this summer’s FIBA World Championship, where he guided the team to a fifth-place finish.

Lamas has coached Argentina before, leading them at the 1998 FIBA World Championship in Athens in his first stint.

"This is the most important team I have coached in my career and to do it for a second time, is a privilege and something that doesn’t happen often,” he said after his unveiling to the media.

“For me, this is a huge responsibility and I'm going to try to do it in the best possible way."

Basketball will take center stage next year in Argentina when the FIBA Americas Championship is staged in Mar del Plata.

"Our first aim is to qualify for the Olympics, and if we have everyone available, to play well,” Lamas said.

“We have players for that and the idea is that the team works as it has done in the past.

“A successful coach has left the national team and I hope to do it as well as Sergio Hernandez did.

“I will study all the players.

“I have spoken to Sergio and I will continue to talk to him to get enough information to follow players.

“I will study the situation and the first thing that a player needs is to have a consistent sporting performance that justifies being called up to the national team in 2011."

The two sides that reach the title game of next year’s event in Mar del Plata will qualify for the Olympics.

FIBA Americas giants Team USA booked their place at London 2012 by capturing the gold medal this year at the FIBA World Championship in Istanbul.

They will not compete at Mar del Plata.

FIBA