Tinelli: "Competing internationally will give San Lorenzo a leap in quality"

SAN LORENZO (DIRECTV Liga de las Americas 2017) - San Lorenzo de Almagro, the Argentine champion, just lived a magical night, facing the Toronto Raptors, as part of the NBA pre-season. Despite the 122-105 defeat, a sense of satisfaction reigns on the South American team.

At the helm of the San Lorenzo delegation was vice-president, Marcelo Tinelli, widely known as one of Argentina’s most important TV personalities.

For Tinelli the trip to Toronto was a success, both in terms of the team’s sports development and international relations, something reflected in the number of meetings the leader maintained with FIBA and NBA officials.

FIBA.com - The team was happy with the game against the Toronto Raptors, despite the defeat?
Tinelli -We are very happy and proud of the good game we had. We competed on equal terms against the Raptors, which was the main objective. We played on a valuable level for three quarters. On the last 8 minutes the physical wear was noticeable and that made the difference. We are pleased because we showed the level of Argentine basketball. It was fantastic to play against Toronto and to learn from them.


FIBA.com - The organization also learned some aspects of the surroundings of the game?
Tinelli -We had a very intense schedule of meetings, because we wanted to learn how the NBA works in the sports entertainment industry. These meetings helped us understand that we need to intensify the entertainment factor of the game. We must understand that this is a whole show, not just a game. We must develop marketing policies and look for new ways of marketing. The NBA is one of the most important organizations in the world and it is good to know how they work in the sport, but also in everything that surrounds the show. We took in a lot of information.


FIBA.com - This game in Toronto is a milestone for San Lorenzo, despite its rich history in football?
Tinelli -Of course, since this game is at the level of the Copa Libertadores of America or the final of the Intercontinental Cup. The current leaders of the team set out to bring the San Lorenzo brand worldwide. This helps us achieve that, it was a step forward. It was a joy, and this encourages us to continue on the path we are already on.


FIBA.com - This also add excitement and intrigue to the team’s international challenge, which will be the DIRECTV Liga de las Americas 2017?
Tinelli -This trip was also very positive, because we had meetings with leaders of FIBA, like the President, Horacio Muratore, and America’s Regional Director, Alberto Garcia. We talked about our debut in the LDA, which also has high expectations. San Lorenzo agreed to organize a preliminary group of the league in January. Being host of the most important club tournament of the continent is very valuable for the team and its followers. We appreciate the trust FIBA has put on us with this responsibility. Competing internationally will give San Lorenzo a leap in quality.


FIBA.com - Did the team expect to live so many emotions in so little time?
Tinelli -No, we never thought that this would happen so fast. I remember that in December we were still putting together the team. One year ago it was a dream to participate in the National League. Then came the Argentine title and now this experience in the NBA. We are very happy, we have not realized yet what we are living. And that encourages us to go for more.

FIBA