Argentina great Prigioni retires

BUENOS AIRES - One of Argentina's most famous and successful basketball players, Pablo Prigioni, has announced his retirement from the game.

The long-time playmaker in Spain who jumped to the NBA late in his career when the New York Knicks signed him in 2012 announced his decision with a tweet on Monday.

"I never dreamed of the day that I had to announce that I would stop playing basketball," said the 39-year-old. "What is certain is that I knew that the day when I felt clear signs from my body and my mind that the time had come to leave, I would listen to them and take the decision without doubting it.

"That is what I've done throughout my career. When I've taken a decision, I've always been 100 per cent certain. My mind and my body are completely in agreement right now. I'm retiring from professional basketball.

"Neither my mind nor my body have the strength that I, as a competitor, demand to play at the highest level. I never thought both could take me so far and so high. I've surpassed limits that I had never imagined I could.

"It has been a marvelous journey. So many infinite great things that absolutely cover all the bad times that I've also encountered in this beautiful sport."

Prigioni made his mark with Argentina on numerous occasions, helping his homeland reach the Semi-Finals of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2006 and capture a bronze medal at the 2008 Olympics.

He spent many a summer with El Alma, including 2011 when the country hosted the FIBA Americas Championship in Mar del Plata and made it to the top of the podium.

His last appearance with Argentina came at the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2014 in Spain.

"I want to thank the Argentina national team for allowing me to experience unique and unforgettable moments with the greatest players our country has given us," he said.

Prigioni, played with Manu Ginobili, Luis Scola, Fabricio Oberto, Andres Nocioni and Carlos Delfino, all members of the team that captured the gold medal at the Athens Olympics.

"I want to thank all the clubs I've played at and for their trust in me. I leave with the tranquility of knowing I've given my best to each of those clubs."

Prigioni also paid a heartfelt tribute to Baskonia, the Spanish club in Vitoria he is most strongly identified with.

"A separate chapter would have to be given to Baskonia," he said. "It's very obvious that my feeling for this club is great and profound."

The 1.91m point guard was the last player cut from the Houston Rockets roster before the start of the 2016-17 NBA season.

"I want to thank my wife and my children," Prigioni said, "my parents and my brothers who have always supported me unconditionally on this long journey.

"I will miss you basketball, always!!!"

FIBA