ARG - Nocioni forced to play waiting game with Bulls, Argentina
BUENOS AIRES (FIBA Americas Championship) - Contract talks with the Chicago Bulls have left Andres Nocioni wondering if he will be able to represent Argentina at this summer’s FIBA Americas Championship. The Albiceleste star’s current deal expires at the end of the season and he is hoping to sign an extension. "I always want to play for the national team," Nocioni said in an interview with Argentinian sports newspaper Ole. "But lets not forget that I need to sign a contract first. If I don´t sign it, unfortunately, I will not be able to play at the Pre-Olympic tournament.
BUENOS AIRES (FIBA Americas Championship) - Contract talks with the Chicago Bulls have left Andres Nocioni wondering if he will be able to represent Argentina at this summer’s FIBA Americas Championship.
The Albiceleste star’s current deal expires at the end of the season and he is hoping to sign an extension.
"I always want to play for the national team," Nocioni said in an interview with Argentinian sports newspaper Ole.
"But lets not forget that I need to sign a contract first. If I don´t sign it, unfortunately, I will not be able to play at the Pre-Olympic tournament.
“It would be a big risk to take.
"But if my contract is signed before then, there´s nothing else to talk about."
The former Tau Ceramica forward, who won gold with Argentina at the Athens Olympics in 2004, was outstanding at last summer’s FIBA World Championship in Japan where he averaged 13.4 points and 5.2 rebounds, helping Argentina reach the semi-finals.
‘Chapu’ - as the 27-year-old is known - also has concerns over a foot injury.
"My team doctor told me that it would be a good idea for me to recover in the summer, especiallly if I end up playing with pain," he added.
"If the pain goes away, the options of playing are many but if it doesn´t, it will be really difficult."
Cindy Garcia-Bennett
FIBA