ARG - Oberto ready to go

BUENOS AIRES (FIBA Americas Championship) - Fabricio Oberto has declared himself ready to go for Argentina.

The veteran center, a member of Argentina's 'golden generation', announced at the beginning of July he was coming out of retirement to be available for the FIBA Americas Championship and help his country qualify for next summer's Olympics.

At the time, Oberto admitted he had much work to do on his conditioning, having called time on his distinguished career in the wake of dizzy spells he suffered while playing for the Portland Trail Blazers early last season.

That was linked to the arrhythmia he was diagnosed with in 2008, something he needed to ensure he could combat before fully committing to a comeback.

Now Oberto says he has the all-clear as Argentina prepare to host the tournament in Mar del Plata.

"It is time to say that according to the results of many tests, I have been cleared and I am able to resume practicing safely," Oberto said.

"From now I am available to the national team if they want me to train and reach peak physical condition ahead of the tournament.

"I have had a long downtime, so I will make every effort to reach a suitable condition for this tournament out of respect for the national team and the affection I have for my colleagues and friends."

"I greatly appreciate all the continuing concern you have shown for me and the affection and support I have always received.

"I hope to see you in Mar del Plata."

Oberto's his first major tournament with the South American giants was the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta.

He was with Argentina when they lost to Yugoslavia in the Final of the 2002 FIBA World Championship.

Two years later, Oberto helped Argentina reach the gold-medal game at the Athens Olympics.

Despite getting hurt in the Semi-Final triumph over the United States and being unavailable for the title game, Oberto cheered his teammates on as they beat Italy to capture the gold medal.

Oberto has been named in coach Julio Lamas' 15-man preliminary squad for the tournament.

Also included is Pepe Sanchez, who won silver at the 2002 FIBA World Championship and gold at the 2004 Olympics with Argentina, but who has been out of the international picture since the 2006 FIBA World Championship.

The 34-year-old guard is now with Weber Bahia Estudiantes.

Preliminary squad: Pablo Prigioni, Pepe Sanchez, Juan Pablo Figueroa, Manu Ginobili, Carlos Delfino, Alfredo Paolo Quinteros, Andres Nocioni, Hernan Jasen, Federico Kammerichs, Luis Scola, Leonardo Gutierrez, Leonardo Mainoldi, Fabricio Oberto, Juan Pedro Gutierrez, Martin Dario Leiva

FIBA