BRA - Magnano carries Olympic experience to Brazilian side

MAR DEL PLATA (FIBA Americas Championship) - Brazil coach Rubén Magnano is the only coach in the 2011 FIBA Americas that knows how it feels to win an Olympic Gold medal.

Magnano was Argentina's coach in the 2004 Olympic Games.

Now, it is a complete different story as his new team, Brazil have missed the last three Olympic Games.

Magnano led the Brazilian side to the Round of 16 at World Championship but made the federation chairman promise he would stay to go for the Olympics.

"Whatever happened in 2004 is part of the past," said Magnano after Brazil's 92-83 win to Venezuela in their tournament debut.

"I look forward more than I look backwards. I will have time to think about my achievements in a couple of years, when I retire. Now I have to focus on the Olympic spot we must clinch in Mar del Plata," added the Argentina-born coach.

Brazil lost the first three quarters against Venezuela but improved their defence to obtain their first victory.

"We showed we can fight. Sometimes things will go the right way and sometimes they won't, but we always have to fight," said Magnano.

Magnano is ready to change Brazil's past.

"I can teach them how it feels to be part of an Olympic Game and having a whole country cheering for you," Magnano said. "But to be honest, they really know what they are playing for and they will show it every day."

Brazil will next face Canada, Wednesday 30th August.

"In order to make it to the Olympics we have to be quick to change our tape and think about Canada and their great players, such as (Carl) English, (Andy) Rautins and (Joel) Anthony," Magnano said.

FIBA