ARG - When NBA players become amateur again

MAR DEL PLATA (FIBA Americas Championship) – The Argentina National Team is known as the Golden Generation due to the Gold Medal won in Athens 2004. Four years after their first ever Olympic Medal, Argentina ratified their condition of top team as they beat Lithuania to win Bronze in Beijing.

Five key players that participated in both Games have now clinched a new Olympic spot in the 2011 FIBA Americas Championship
.
Three-time NBA champion Manu Ginóbili is probably Argentina’s most famous player ever and one of the team's leader together with Luis Scola.

“This is one of the best teams I’ve ever played in and the one that makes me more proud to be part of,” said Ginóbili, who notched five three-pointers in the second half of Argentina's 81-79 win over Puerto Rico in semifinals.

Manu referred to Andrés Nocioni’s efforts. The Sacramento Kings forward played with a torn ligament in his right ankle, as he did in Beijing with a tendinitis in his knee.

“What he did give me goose bumps. He showed his commitment again after what he did in Beijing on the Bronze Medal game. That day he earned my respect forever,” added Manu.

Ginóbili repeated once and again how stressing the semifinal was, but also how happy he was of having achieved a new goal.

“The Olympics are the biggest sporting event in the world. The only fact of living in the Olympic Village is amazing. When you go out for a walk, you see (Usain) Bolt, (Kenenisa) Bekele, the best swimmer in the World.

“You share experiences and listen to all the difficulties an amateur has to overcome, such as a hammer thrower, a javelin thrower, the guy that jumps high and many others.

“You become a better person in the Olympics,” said the guard whose National Team debut was in 1998.

“We are used to living in some kind of unreal bubble, especially those who play in the NBA, with all the luxury. Being in the Olympic Village brings you back to Earth and makes you understand how lucky you are.”

Ginóbili went on talking on his Olympic experiences.

“The Olympics are spectacular, a unique experience. The two times I’ve been to the Village were the best things I’ve ever been through,” said Ginóbili.

Manu will have the chance to win his third consecutive Olympic medal next year in London.

FIBA