Timberwolves' Bolmaro honored to represent Argentina in Americas qualifiers

BUENOS AIRES (Argentina) - Leandro Bolmaro’s career had a fast growth. In 2017, at just 16 years old, he made his debut in the Argentine National League with Bahía Basket. Five years later he went to Europe to play in Barcelona. He was then drafted by the NBA's New York Knicks then traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves, where he became the youngest Argentine basketball player to play in the NBA at 21 years, one month and nine days.

Bolmaro played his first game with the Argentine national team at the Tokyo Olympics.

“It’s a dream for me. Representing my country is an honor and being able to be watched by Argentina is amazing. I'll take this opportunity to improve my game, train harder and be with my teammates," said Leandro.

Bolmaro, who can play the three perimeter positions, had more of a secondary role in his first tournament averaging 2 points in 11.7 minutes per game. He had been placed into a team that already had a certain dynamic and a style of play and who were the runner up in the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019.

Now, with a new coach, Bolmaro hopes to have more playing time. “This time I hope to have a more important role. I feel that I’m slowly improving my game. And with the confidence of the coach and teammates, I can be the successful player I’ve been preparing for.”

Bolmaro’s first year in the NBA was a season of adaptation as he played 35 of 82 regular season games. He also played few times for the G-League's Iowa Wolves. “I changed a lot, both physical and individually in the game. It was a year of much learning in which I gained experience. I want to take advantage of that and carry it to the national team to continue improving.”

The arrival of Néstor García as the new coach of Argentina is a change in team leadership. Garcia, with experience in Uruguay, Venezuela and the Dominican Republic, has a special personality and positive attitude that he brings to his players. "He always brings out the best of us. He gives us confidence, makes us feel comfortable and makes sure that we are attentive to what’s happening all the time. In addition, he has a very funny humorous side and it’s good during the trainings," said Bolmaro.

The generational change in the Argentine National Team is headed by Bolmaro and Francisco Cáffaro, two players born in 2000 who were leaders in youth teams. "We are slowly joining the senior team. We knew that many of us could reach the national team because of how we did in the minor categories," said Bolmaro.

Argentina will face Venezuela (June 30) and Panama (July 3) as the visiting team in the third Americas qualifiers window. “It will be a nice atmosphere. I have seen the previous windows and noticed that the games are very physical, and that people are on top of their game. I want to really enjoy these games and am proud to represent my country and help them win.”

Bolmaro is one of the new players of this new generation. His progress and development will give Argentina a new push to stay within international basketball's elite.

FIBA