ARG - Scola: ‘We’re not done yet’

BUENOS AIRES (Olympics) - There have been plenty of big games and medal winning performances by Argentina in the last decade that fans take pleasure in.

In 2002, there was the silver medal at the FIBA World Championship in Indianapolis and two years later, the Olympic gold in Athens.

Just several weeks ago, there was the title on home soil in Mar del Plata that clinched a spot in the London Games and just as important gave supporters a chance to see their golden generation heroes in person.

For the players, though, it’s a different story.

Veteran power forward Luis Scola has been at the heart of all the success and is on a journey that may one day land him in a Hall of Fame.

Unlike the fans, though, he celebrates the wins when they happen and then moves on quickly.

“I believe once it's over and all of us are done playing, we'll look back and see how we've done,” Scola said to FIBA.com.

“Right now, it's difficult because you are still playing.

“And I don't think it's right to look back.

“I think when we do look back, it will be when we realize what we have done.”

London chances

Could Argentina be a team that can reach the podium again at the Olympics and maybe even capture gold?

Look at the players still in the squad.

There are Scola, Pablo Prigioni, Carlos Delfino, Andres Nocioni and Manu Ginobili.

Argentina still have quality.

Only a fool would dismiss their chances of going on to a medal run in London.

Scola is the biggest cause for optimism.

The 31-year-old had a spectacular summer.

The 2.04m power forward averaged 21.4 points and 6.3 rebounds as the team went unbeaten on home soil.

His main problem is that right now, there are no NBA games because of the lockout.

How long can Argentina’s current crop of stars continue to find success?

Scola is realistic.

“Obviously, this is going to end,” he said.

“You can't expect these players to play forever.

“We're getting old and as the years go by, the other teams are doing the next generational change and it's getting harder and harder for us to keep up with them.

“Soon, we'll need to do our own, start looking for young players and the golden generation will be over.

“There is nothing we can do about that.”

Yet Scola firmly believes Argentina have it within themselves to still do something special.

“I believe we have a couple of more bullets to have a couple of more good tournaments,” he said.

FIBA