ARG - Santin takes experienced squad to compete at OQT
BUENOS AIRES (FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament for Women) - Argentina coach Roberto Santín has decided on the 12 players that will try to earn the country a spot at the London Games at the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament (OQT) for Women in Ankara. Most selected were in the side that captured a silver medal at last year's FIBA Americas ...
BUENOS AIRES (FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament for Women) - Argentina coach Roberto Santín has decided on the 12 players that will try to earn the country a spot at the London Games at the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament (OQT) for Women in Ankara.
Most selected were in the side that captured a silver medal at last year's FIBA Americas Championship in Colombia, including leading scorer Carolina Sánchez.
The 36-year-old power forward averaged more than 14 points and six rebounds per game in Neiva as Argentina went unbeaten in their first five games before falling to Brazil in the gold-medal clash.
The only change to the squad sees is Lanus power forward/center Andrea Boquete coming in for Sthefany Thomas.
Three Vélez Sarsfield players - 1.84m center Ornella Santana, 1.75m guard Sandra Pavón and 1.68m guard Marina Cava - are in.
There are four members of the Lanús squad have made the team, including 1.80m center Melani Soriani, 1.87m center Agostina Burani, 21-year-old newcomer Boquete and 1.82m forward Melisa Pavicich.
Players based overseas include Sánchez and Reggiardo, who compete in Spain, and the Italian league's Débora González.
Santín is attempting to take the Argentina women to their first Olympic appearance.
He will soon travel with the team to Europe for further training and friendly games.
"I am very happy and proud of the group that is playing and the support we are receiving from the CABB (Argentina Basketball Confederation)," Santín said.
"The group is fine. We've had a very good preparation ahead of the European tour.
"We've seen a lot of dedication and commitment from all players, with an absolute commitment that leaves every member of the coaching staff happy."
Twelve teams will play at the OQT and five will claim places at the London Games.
Argentina are in Group B with the Czech Republic and New Zealand.
Argentina squad: Sandra Pavón, Débora González, Melisa Gretter, Marina Cava, Paula Reggiardo, Melisa Pavicich, Diana Cabrera, Carolina Sánchez, Andrea Boquete, Agostina Burani, Melani Soriani and Ornella Santana.
FIBA