Passionate Scola excited to play record-equaling fifth World Cup

WUHAN (China) - Representing his beloved Argentina means everything for Luis Scola who will play a record-equaling fifth FIBA Basketball World Cup in China.

The big man will be one of five players to enter the record books alongside Eduardo Mingas from Angola and Brazilian trio Leandro Barbosa, Alex Garcia and Anderson Varejao. They are set to join Puerto Rico pair Daniel Santiago and Jerome Mincy with five World Cup appearances.

Scola remains the last link from Argentina's iconic generation highlighted by the 2004 Olympics gold medal and FIBA Basketball World Cup 2002 silver medal. Argentina beat mighty Team USA in both events to stamp themselves as one of basketball's powerhouse teams.

"I AM VERY MOTIVATED TO BE HERE AND TO PLAY FOR THE NATIONAL TEAM AGAIN AFTER ALL THOSE YEARS, AFTER ALL THOSE SUMMERS, ALL THOSE MEDALS AND TITLES."

Even with those brilliant memories fading amid a changing of the guard, the 39-year-old Scola's passion for representing Argentina remains unwavering. "I love the game and representing my country so much, that is more than just a game for me," he says.

"I always feel an intense passion and love for playing the game at international level, to be here, with my teammates, wearing the blue and white jersey."

Having experienced the ups and downs of basketball's biggest stage, Scola adds invaluable leadership for an Argentinean team pitted in Group B alongside Russia, Korea and Nigeria.

"I know that a lot of the guys from my generation retired, but I feel like playing a bit more, so I am still here, older, but still here to be on the court, travelling and cheering for my teammates," he says.

"I am very motivated to be here and to play for the national team again after all those years, after all those summers, all those medals and titles. I love it and I am so excited to be playing in China with Argentina."

Scola hopes Argentina's campaign in China will add to his slew of special World Cup memories, which is highlighted by that incredible run in Indianapolis back in 2002.

"Reaching such a high level in a tough competition like the FIBA World Cup was a great success," he says.

"I really like our team and the mindset that we have. We want to make our fellow compatriots proud, and we want to have a great tournament in China."

Mingas, Angola's veteran, also cherished playing in another World Cup. "I’m very motivated. Playing in the World Cup is always a big experience, and I want to end it well," he says.

Barbosa hoped the trio of Brazilian veterans could go out on a high note as well. "Hopefully we are going to do well," he says. "This is going to be my last World Cup, and the three of us want to make sure we do a great job for our country. "

FIBA