ARG – Oberto considers London chance

BUENOS AIRES (Olympics) – Fabricio Oberto came out of retirement to compete at the FIBA Americas Championship on home soil and help Argentina book a place at the London Games.

Now the veteran center is going to do all he can to be in the squad so he can play in a third straight Olympics.

The 36-year-old played only five games during the 2010-11 NBA season before announcing his retirement due to a heart condition, in November 2010.

He appeared in seven games at the FIBA Americas Championship in Mar del Plata and averaged 1.9 points and 3.4 rebounds.

"I'm in Cordoba (Argentina) trying to get in shape and see how things develop in the NBA,” he said.

“My aim is to be in good form and try to see how this situation develops and where I can play.

"The idea is to continue with what I need in order to reach London. To play a certain number of games and arrive with a rhythm. I don't think I was lucky at the Pre-Olympic tournament because I missed 15 days due to injuries.”

Oberto thinks he would have had a bigger impact in Mar del Plata had he played more in the build-up.

"I don't think if I want to play at the Olympics, I can afford to give away 20 or 30 games,” he said.

“If I can't make it, then I will have to say I can't play.”

Oberto is one of Argentina’s most loved sportsmen.

He helped the country capture a gold medal at the 2004 Olympics and has played at the highest level in Europe, and in the NBA.

The problems with his heart that forced him to retire sooner than he’d wanted have made him think long and hard about life.

"Many things have happened to me in the last 11 months,” he said.

“The situation with my heart, the operation - I had to work hard to return to the court.

“One has to be prepared for the good and the bad things.

“I was lucky to experience Mar del Plata.”

At the FIBA Americas Championship, getting to the Final was the main aim in order to reach the London Games.

They almost did not accomplish that mission.

Jose Barea of Puerto Rico could have led the team to an upset of Argentina if his last-second three-pointer had gone in.

Argentina followed up that 81-79 victory with a triumph over Brazil in the gold-medal game.

“There are not many teams that can manage the pressure that we were under,” Oberto said.

“But through character, experience and having gone through many battles, we managed to control the pressure.”

Oberto knows he must make some important decisions soon if he is to have a realistic chance of travelling to London.
 
"When I watch a game and I think of the national team, I have a very big incentive to continue,” he said.

“If the NBA situation becomes clearer, I will see if I have any chances there.

"I know that without playing I will not go to the Olympics and I will have to tell the boys I will wear long trousers and go with them.

"The experience I have will make me take the decision I have to take with calmness."

FIBA