BRA - Magnano wants so much more

RIO DE JANEIRO (Olympics) - Ruben Magnano is part coach, part philosopher.

Brazil may not have known it when they put him charge of their national team, when they were looking for a man to get them back to their first Olympics since 1996, but they know now.

He doesn't give short answers, but long ones.

Magnano, who led Argentina to gold at the 2004 Olympics in Athens, fulfilled the aim of getting Brazil to the London Games.

He acts like the job isn't finished, though.

"You have to understand that a coach always wants a little more," he said.

"So I think we can give even more.

"I do not know the final outcome, because it's sport.

"But I have an obligation to produce results.

"Fortunately, what happened to Brazilian basketball is something very important, which was the recovery of the Olympic Games.

"I think this should lead to a further drive for better basketball, to reap more fruit."

Magnano won't be pressured into making decisions about squad selection, either.

Leandro Barbosa and Nene, a couple of Brazilians playing in the NBA, have been called "deserters" for not making themselves available for last summer's FIBA Americas Championship, where Brazil had to reach the Final to qualify for the London Games.

The opinion has been expressed by many in the country, including by the legendary Oscar, that neither Barbosa nor Nene should go to the Olympics.

"One cannot speak of righteousness, romanticism, sentimentality," Magnano said.

"We must be practical and objective. Knowing how to react."

That doesn't mean that Barbosa and Nene are going to London.

For that matter, no player should believe his place in the Olympic team is secure.

"I have the doors open to all who have a Brazilian passport," Magnano said.

"All have the ability to play. I'll make my personal assessment. I do this every day, I see the games."

Magnano says he is taking a long, considered approach when it comes to naming his squad.

"I evaluate everything," he said.

"The technical, physical, tactical and commitment of each player.

"The decision will be, in my judgment, the best for the Brazilian basketball. Once taken it's over."

FIBA