ARG – Players back Sergio Hernandez to remain as Argentina coach

BUENOS AIRES (2010 FIBA World Championship) – Argentina are expected to announce on Friday that Sergio Hernandez will remain in charge of the national team.

Hernandez led the team to an Olympic bronze medal this summer and Argentina, who climbed to the top of the FIBA World Rankings after the Beijing Games, made it very clear that he was the man they wanted to hold the reins when the team attempts to qualify next summer for the 2010 FIBA World Championship in Turkey.

Hernandez’s players are very enthusiastic about him staying on as national team coach.

"I think it's good that they want to continue with Sergio as coach,” said San Antonio Spurs star Manu Ginobili.

“He has achieved good results in the last three tournaments.

"It was to be expected that after guiding the national team to a bronze medal that they would offer him the chance to remain in charge. I am happy for him and I hope the success will continue.”

Ginobili also revealed in La Nacion that Hernandez had decided to stay in the job.

"Luckily, Sergio agreed to continue and we haven't fallen into the controversy of who should be the new national coach. Everything has been made easier."

Leo Gutierrez, a long-time national team player who stepped into the breach to play for Ginobili when he went down with an ankle injury in the semi-finals at the Olympics, said: "I think it's good that he continues.

“In the last couple of years, things have gone well for us with him as coach.

“We have achieved important things. Moreover, it gives continuity to the work done and not to have to start over."

Argentina won the gold medal at the 2004 Olympics.

Hernandez nearly guided the Albiceleste into the final of the 2006 FIBA World Championship but they suffered a narrow defeat to eventual gold medalists Spain in the semi-finals.

The following year, with numerous players absent, Hernandez still led Argentina to a silver medal at the FIBA Americas Championship in Las Vegas.

Argentina have called a press conference for 5pm local time on Friday when they are expected to confirm that Hernandez is staying on.

FIBA