Hernandez calm before the storm

BUENOS AIRES (2015 FIBA Americas Championship) - No one knows if Argentina will remain an elite team in international basketball with their famous veterans now in the latter stages of their careers.

For some, stormy seas are ahead for a national side that must rely more heavily on a new generation of players.

What everyone can be certain of, though, is that with the return of Sergio Hernandez as coach, there will be calm and tranquility in the weeks and months ahead.

Hernandez, who led the national team from 2005 through 2010, has brought a quiet, steely confidence to the national team program since announcing he felt compelled to lead the side into a new era.

That self-belief was evident when the 51-year-old showed up last week at the draw ceremony in Monterrey, Mexico, for the 2015 FIBA Americas Championship.

Argentina were drawn in Group B with Canada, Puerto Rico, Cuba and Venezuela, while hosts Mexico are in Group A with Brazil, the Dominican Republic, Uruguay and Panama.

My initial feeling is that our group, B, is a little stronger - Hernandez

"We will face the most powerful rivals that are in the tournament, including Canada, and two other teams with experience in these (group) games as Venezuela and Puerto Rico," he said.

"However, the other group is powerful, too, with the hosts and with historic teams like Brazil and the Dominican Republic...

"And that's not bad.

"We'll see what happens.

"I have a good feeling."

If Canada can present a good mix of NBA and European-based talent and they jell, a run to the Final and a spot at the Rio de Janeiro Olympics looks as if it can be theirs.

Puerto Rico are sure to have a new and very competitive look with Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame coach Rick Pitino now their coach.

Argentina will face intense competition.

The first aim at the FIBA Americas Championship for all teams will be to finish in the top four and advance to the next stage.

The second will be to beat other sides that advance from the group because those points carry over into the next round.

If unable to reach the Final, Argentina will at least be hoping to finish third, fourth or fifth and claim a place at the 2016 FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament.

Argentina had plenty of good moments last year at the FIBA Basketball World Cup.

In their opening triumph over Puerto Rico, point guard Facundo Campazzo, who just turned 24, dazzled and had eight assists while Selem Safar, 27, connected on four shots from the arc.

Marcos Delia, a 22-year-old center who is developing into a very good player, had eight points in just eight minutes.

The signs are there that Argentina can be very competitive.

The only thing that really matters to me is that the team plays well - Hernandez

Hernandez is not certain what the make-up of his squad will be, but he does know the approach his players must have.

The veteran coach will attempt to get them to compete with a sense of urgency, while at the same time avoid feeling too much pressure.

FIBA