ARG - Lamas takes on board Oberto withdrawal

BUENOS AIRES (Olympics) - Fabricio Oberto played for Argentina many times in his career and was hoping to have a perfect send-off from the national team at the London Games.

It simply was not to be.

The much-loved center came out of retirement to play at last year's FIBA Americas Championship in Mar del Plata and help the Biancoceleste capture the gold medal, but he hasn't played competitively this year.

He has told coach Julio Lamas that for personal reasons, he won't be able to wear the Argentina shirt this summer.

The good news for Lamas is that he and his assistant, former Argentina boss Sergio Hernandez, have plenty of time to consider their options for London.

The bad news is that one of the most popular players in the national team set-up will be missing.

Oberto arrived at the Argentina training camp for the South Americas Championship in El Chaco and was expected to play but the 37-year-old informed Lamas that he won't be able to.

The Argentinian Basketball Federation confirmed that Oberto will not play in Chaco, or in London.

Lamas then spoke to the Olé newspaper.

"He told me he could not solve his personal problems and can´t play at the South American Championship," Lamas said.

"It is sad...

"I noticed him affected because it is not what he wanted, but he can´t do anything and I understand him."

Oberto had a long career in Europe before leaving for the NBA's San Antonio Spurs in 2005.

He later spent a year with the Washington Wizards and signed to play for Portland in 2010-11 but had to quit the game at the start of the season due to heart problems.

Doctors gave him permission to play for Argentina last summer but after playing a limited role with the team, he did not sign for any team.

He had planned to prove his fitness, and ability, at the South American Championship.

Oberto wanted to be reunited with Manu Ginobili, Luis Scola, Andres Nocioni and others he had won a gold medal with at Athens 2004 and bronze in Beijing four years later.

"With Scola, he formed one the best inside duos in an impressive decade," Lamas said.

Oberto was a leader on and off the court, a player that others would listen to in the changing room during good times and bad.

"It's a significant loss but I'm just processing it," Lamas said.

"I knew that if he played, it would be the same for years, but now we do not know at all.

"Now I just prefer to support his decision and thank him."

At the London Games in Preliminary Round Group A, Argentina will face France, Tunisia, the United States and two sides that come out of the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament.


FIBA