ARG - The past, present and future

LONDON (Olympics/2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup) - Argentina didn’t leave London with a medal but a fourth-place finish is being seen as a success by the powers that be in the country.

Basketball confederation (CABB) president German Vaccaro was proud of the squad that only fell by four points to Russia in the bronze-medal game, a clash that wasn’t decided until the final seconds.

Argentina had won gold at the 2004 Olympics and bronze at the Beijing Games.

The United States beat Spain in a thrilling gold-medal contest in London.

"It is an enormous satisfaction, a matter of pride to be in the CABB and experience this stage alongside the gladiators that confirm the soul and the essence of our basketball,” Vaccaro said.

The gladiators are Manu Ginobili, Andres Nocioni, Luis Scola, Carlos Delfino, Pablo Prigioni, Leo Gutierrez and others who played so well in the past and continue to do so.

“To remain is the most difficult thing,” Vaccaro said. “That is why the pride and my thanks are eternal.

“We did a good job and that was transmitted on and off the court, with a team very well guided by the coaching staff and with a good preparation.

"We will continue to work for what is ahead of us.

"We know we are one step behind Team USA and Spain, we are alongside teams like Russia.

“This makes us proud because we have the Grand Slam, something that only USA has, with titles in all international tournaments, South American, Pre-Olympics, Pre-World Championship, World Championship and Olympic games."

There are a lot of questions now about the potential for victories in big tournaments in the future, starting with the 2013 FIBA Americas Championship and the 2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup in Spain.

"We have to be cautious because for many years, the talk has been on the Golden Generation,” Vaccaro said.

“Luis has clearly stated that he will not retire.

“He, alongside Chapu (Nocioni), Carlos Delfino, can arrive to 2014 World Cup.

“Also, there is the confirmation of Juan Gutierrez, Facundo Campazzo and Marco Mata as well as Nicolas Laprovittola, who are all of international level.

“We cannot forget we have won a South American tournament with many guys like Marcos Delia and Franco Giorgetti that demand space in the team."

Only time will tell if Ginobili decides to play in Spain at the World Cup.

"There are two years to go before the next important competition,” Ginobili said.

“I will be 37 and I have to see how I am.

“Time will tell but I want to think about it, meditate it with my family to see what I do.

“Right now, I need to go home and play with my children and sleep on my mattress."

FIBA