Garino, Argentina inspired by Delfino's return

RIO DE JANEIRO (Rio 2016 Olympic Games) - Argentina, the same Argentina that was supposed to be too old, a team that had resisted a generational change for too long, have arrived in Brazil with a lot of experience and a lot of promise ahead of the Olympics.

With four gold-medal winners from the Athens Games of 12 years ago on the roster, including the fit-again Carlos Delfino, the mood is as upbeat with 'El Alma' as it's been in a very long time.

Delfino broke his foot in the 2013 NBA play-offs and had not played before he joined the squad this summer in their Olympic preparations.

In a very short time, he proved to coach Sergio Hernandez that he could be the Carlos of old, hitting a barrage of 3-pointers in wins over Serbia and France. Hernandez included him on the final roster.

Rising star Patricio Garino has talked to FIBA.com about Delfino and the current state of affairs with this proud national team.

FIBA.com: It seems like with Carlos Delfino's return, it's a gift from heaven. He was out of the game, his national team career seemingly over because of the broken foot injury, and now he's not only on the roster again but playing like Carlos Delfino.
Garino: It's very impressive, very motivational. For him not being able to play for three years and to come back as if nothing had happened, it really surprised us all. The preparation, he was working out trying to get back into the rhythm. He wasn't sure about it but was still adjusting and everything. But now, during the games where fans and everyone sees him, it was very impressive. It touched us all to see how hard he worked for this and how confident he is with his game. It's actually incredible.

FIBA.com: Do you think he can continue doing well in the Olympics?
Garino: We think he will. I think his head is as strong as it's ever been. He's very confident, playing very loose and he's had a lot of experience. I don't think he's scared of anything.

Carlos Delfino

FIBA.com: You yourself have had a very rapid ascent with this Argentina national team.
Garino: It's been a dream come true for me. I've been able to go with the men's team this summer, something I was waiting to do since I was 13, 12 years old, being able to do it two years in a row and qualify directly for Rio. It's going to be something very special to play.

FIBA.com: You must have had some very good coaching as a youngster to already be a vital member of this squad.
Garino: Being able to play with the junior team for Argentina, that helped a lot. They took a lot of time with us teaching the philosophy that the team has, tactics, strategy, whatever. So before coming to the men's team, you learn it with the youth team.

FIBA.com: What about George Washington University? Did that help with your development?
Garino: Yes, definitely. I think my mentality, my confidence and my body changed a lot at GW. I acquired all the knowledge of the team through the youth national team and at GW I grew physically. You have a different mentality for work in the U.S. than Argentina, non-stop work. The work ethic where they push you every day.

FIBA.com: With Argentina, it seems like someone flipped a switch and things are going very well all of a sudden. But that was the preparations and it's a different thing to the Olympics.
Garino: We're very happy for the preparation that we had. We played against high-level competition in two different tournaments and we were successful. Our team is running a lot smoother, now. Our team chemistry is very high. We're happy about winning those games but we're aware that they were just friendly games and not the real thing. We know that this is going to be a battle and everyone is going to go all out.

FIBA