ARG - Rosset gives thumbs-up to first training camp

BUENOS AIRES (FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament for Women) - Macarena Rosset believes Argentina’s first training camp was the ideal launch pad for the national side as it tries reach the London Games.

The national squad’s first week of training for the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament (OQT) for Women was at the CeNard (Centro Nacional de Alto Rendimiento Deportivo) and it concluded on Saturday.

The players worked out with coach Roberto Santín in Buenos Aires, although members of Club Atlético Lanus were unable to take part due to club commitments.

"I see it (the group) as very well," the 21-year-old Rosset said.

"As the players went through its training, we became stronger both on and offer the court."

As for Argentina's chances of reaching the Olympics, their best chance of doing so is to hit the ground running in Ankara, Turkey, where there OQT will tip off on 25 June.

They will play in Group B with the Czech Republic and New Zealand.

A victory would put Santín's squad into a Quarter-Final against Japan, Puerto Rico or Turkey and winning that game would earn the team a trip to London.

A defeat would leave Argentina needing to win two games against other losers of the Quarter-Finals to claim the fifth and last spot on offer for the Olympics.

"It's a big task to get the ticket to London," Rosset said.

"This month is going to help us put the finishing touches to our game, so we can get to the best level for the tournament.

"The  concentration will get better.

"In addition, the girls outside (Lanus) are still to join and they are very important for the team."

Agostina Burani, Melisa Pavicich and Melanie Soriani are on the books of the Lanús side that is taking part in the Sudamericana de Clubes.

Also away was 36-year-old veteran Carolina Sanchez, who has been playing professionally for Orion in Spain’s Liga Femenina 2.

Those to take part in the first training included Sandra Pavón, Marina Cava, Melisa Gretter, Natasha Spiatta, Brenda Schmidt, Ornella Santana, Johana Puchetti, Rocío Díaz, Diana Cabrera, Rosset, Mara Marchizotti, Victoria Llorente, Emilia García, Zulema García, Sofía Aispurúa, Julieta Armesto and Natalia Teodori.

FIBA