Marcelo Milanesio (Argentina)

When talking about Argentinean basketball, one the countries with more tradition in FIBA and current Olympic champions, the name of Marcelo Gustavo Milanesio should be at the top of the list. After all, he “only” won 16 national championships with the Atenas of Córdoba, for which he played for 18 straight seasons.

Born on February 11, 1965, in the city of Hernando, Milanesio began his basketball career in Military Fabric of Rio Tercero in Cordoba. Later, with his brother Mario, he joined the “Asociacion Deportiva Atenas”, which took him to the National Club League, where he played in 649 straight games.

However, his big international achievement would come in the 1984 World Championship, in the cities of Toronto and Hamilton, in Canada, where he finished as the leader in assists.

During that same year, he made his debut with Argentina’s National Team, playing in the South American Championship, in Asunción, Paraguay. It was at this level, representing his country, that he was noted, although he was never a fan of individualism. At the same time, he was considered as one of the best players of the Argentinean National League.

In 1990, he became the regular point guard for the National team which played in the World Championship in Argentina. In that tournament, he was an important factor in his team’s victories in Cordoba, helping his team to qualify to the final round of the tournament, played in the mythical Luna Park, in the city of Buenos Aires. 

At the national level, he averaged 43.9% from the three point line all throughout his eighteen seasons in the Clubs National League. Here, he played on an awe inspiring 848 games, with 649 of them on uninterrupted fashion. A lesion suffered on the eve of the 1998-99 season, put him away for the first time in his career. Nonetheless, he only came back to lead his Atenas to a new championship.

One of the most inspiring facts about him is his out-of-court activities, which have given him great recognition, both from the fans and from social organizations.

In 1993, he received the most prestigious award given by the press in Argentina, the “Olimpia de Oro” Award; which made him the first basketball player to receive it until Manu Ginobili was awarded in 2003. His number 9 was retired for life by the Atenas de Cordoba as a tribute to his career and sport’s performance.

In 2004, and following his interest in passing forward is knowledge, he organized this first camp for kids and teens in the city of Villa Carlos Paz, an annual event which have kept alive his personal and professional agenda.

FIBA Americas