“The commitment to the National Team and the players is very great,” said the new coach.
Pablo Prigioni, new coach of the Argentine basketball team, explained why he decided to take charge of the team after the surprising resignation of Néstor “Che” García and assured that it is “time to accompany” the players.
Argentina’s victory over the Bahamas days before the start of the AmeriCup left positive sensations, but the unexpected departure of “Che” García as coach convulsed the world of the orange ball, which finally found calm when the Argentine Basketball Confederation leaned towards Prigioni to succeed it.
The historical base will be the main person in charge of the team in the tournament that will take place, starting this Friday, in Recife, Brazil. The 45-year-old Cordovan was part of an unforgettable generation and stood out with his talent and intelligence both in Europe and in the NBA -New York Knicks, Houston Rockets and Los Angeles Clippers-.
Facing the most important challenge of his coaching career, in dialogue with the CAB press, Prigioni highlighted: “The commitment to the National Team and the players is very great.”
“I had the opportunity to be with the players for much of this process, and I felt that now is the time to accompany them, just before this tournament. The focus is on giving them all the support and tools to have a good tournament, which Let’s all focus on having a good first game and playing the best basketball possible”, explained the strategist, who since last year has been working as an assistant within the National Team’s coaching staff.
Prigioni will be accompanied on his journey through Brazilian soil by Gonzalo García, Leonardo Gutiérrez and Guido Fabbris as assistants.
The native of Córdoba, who currently works as an assistant to the professional staff of the Minnesota Timberwolves, took the opportunity to ensure that his tasks in the NBA will not prevent him from sitting on the substitute bench in the upcoming November and February windows.
“The job I have in the NBA could have been an impediment, but the total support I had from both the coach and the entire franchise for me to accept the job was decisive. They supported me and give me the flexibility that the position requires,” remarked.
“I have knowledge of the team and the players, that is important. Much of what they are playing and what is installed was done in preparation, so it is something to highlight. The set-up that the team has had in this month that they have been together it has been very good and I think they are ready to have a good tournament. We trust in that, in the potential, the hunger and the desire to compete that they have”, he concluded.
The national team will start their journey in the AmeriCup this Saturday, from 1:40 p.m., against the Virgin Islands. Their path in Group B will continue on Sunday, starting at 8:10 p.m., against Puerto Rico. Then they will culminate their participation in the first phase facing the Dominican Republic on Tuesday 6, at 8:10 p.m. (NA)
