ARG - Gutierrez looks ahead

BUENOS AIRES (FIBA Americas Championship/FIBA Basketball World Cup) - Juan Gutierrez has a hugely important role for Argentina as he prepares for the 2013 FIBA Americas Championship.

The big man will travel to Caracas, Venezuela, with the Julio Lamas-coached team as one of the most experienced players, someone who has competed at Olympic Games and FIBA World Championships.

With a host of veterans unavailable this summer for the national team, Gutierrez will have a lot of additional responsibility, both in terms of production on the court and leadership.

Gutierrez already has an idea of what things are going to be like for the national team in 2013, as they try to lay the foundation for a solid run in Venezuela to qualify for next year's FIBA Basketball World Cup.

"This year, the vast majority of players will arrive in good shape because some were already working in China (at the Stankovic Cup)," Gutierrez said, "while others have also been preparing on their vacation.

"Maybe this year we will have to give more importance to tactical training to improve performance and the team's offensive shooting.

"Because we are a completely new team, with many players who are here for the first time, you need to achieve the greatest possible game philosophy because we have to try, despite the losses (of players), to be protagonists of the tournament."

Gutierrez says what works to Argentina's advantage is that other teams are also missing key players.

"Many teams have lost players," he said.

"All teams aspire to one of these four places for the World Cup next year. It will be a tournament that will suddenly turn very attractive, very even and that any minute, all the teams are going to have options to get a place in Spain."

Argentina need a top-four finish to clinch a place at the FIBA Basketball World Cup.

FIBA