Nestor "Che" Garcia - coach of champions

MEXICO CITY (2015 FIBA Americas Championship) - Over the weekend, Nestor "Che" Garcia savoured his greatest success to date with Venezuela, by leading them to victory over Argentina in the Final for their first-ever FIBA Americas Championship crown.

Since he was appointed as head coach of the country's senior men's national team side on 13 March 2013, the team has been on an upward curve. 

The hosts of the 2013 FIBA Americas Championship finished fifth on home soil in Caracas. A year later, playing once again at home - in Isla Margarita, they won all five of their games on the way to winning the 2014 South American Championship. 

In Mexico City, they not only became continental champions for the first time but in reaching the title game, they achieved direct qualification for the 2016 Rio Olympics.

Garcia's time in charge of Venezuela has translated into great results but also in a positive mindset that is apparent in the team's collective displays. Additionally, he has injected a very important dose of defensive intensity as well as sending across a clear message to take care of the ball on offense.

I understood that it was necessary that for them to feel comfortable, everyone had to touch the ball. - Garcia

The 50-year-old from Argentina explained the path that led him to insert this philosophy: "In this process we started with 40 players. We were seeing who could adjust to the idea, but always respecting their idiosyncrasies. We went to Europe to find our style. It was a good opportunity to adjust. Not everyone has offensive characteristics. They recognised that and accepted that idea."

As for the defensive adjustment, Garcia indicates how the players subscribed to it because it was part of a whole.

"By attacking well, you're going to defend better. They have a lot of heart. We did the three goals we had for the tournament: defend hard, take care of the ball and follow instructions," he explained.

Veteran David Cubillan praised the coach for the outstanding work he's done.

"I think 'Che' has done a great job. He changed our philosophy, our mentality. He has implemented more mobility, more searching for the extra pass and, above all, taking care of the ball," said the 28-year-old guard.

Playmaker Heissler Guillent, who was named to the All-Star Five, stressed the importance of the coach on making sure every player knew he was valuable to the greater cause. 

"At first it was difficult, because of how we used to play: many seconds with the ball in hand. [But then] we bought [into] the idea because we are very good friends on the court and we all sacrifice for each other. It got all of us to feel important," he explained.

FIBA