It’s the end of an era for Argentina’s national basketball team. Shooting guard Manu Ginobili and forward Andres Nocioni retired after losing to the United States 105-78. The Argentinian team must feel like it’s dying by 1,000 paper cuts. Ginobili and Nocioni’s retirements were announced via FIBA.com:
International basketball waved goodbye to a couple of Argentina greats on Wednesday night when Manu Ginobili and Andres Nocioni played for the final time for the national team at the Rio de Janeiro Games.
Ginobili sounded off on his international experience:
“This is my 20th year since my first game with the national team,” Ginobili said. “I’m very proud. And at the same time, I’m happy – sad and happy because having the opportunity to play this game at 39, it’s not something that happens often.
“How many athletes are my age, especially basketball players? I’m so incredibly lucky to have stayed healthy, to have played with some of the same guys for so long and having done so well with my team – it’s been an amazing run. I’m very proud of it.”
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“I’m proud of the longevity, the way we played the game, of all the things we accomplished, the friendships and the camaraderie we created, so I’m proud of a lot of things,” he said.
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“It has been an incredible era,” he said. “It is something very important in your life that is ending, and that means a lot, so you’ve got to think of so many things, and well, (it) makes me feel a little emotional.”
Ginobili on USA Coach Mike Krzyzewski and USA forward Carmelo Anthony speaking to him after the game:
“They congratulated me,” Ginobili said. “They were very kind, very respectful, and when legends of the game show their respect, it has an extra value.
“They didn’t have to do it. They could have just shaken my hand and then go do their thing and go think about Spain, but they spared some very kind words, respectful words. I truly appreciate it.”
Nocioni also made comments:
“Well, I will retire today as well,” Nocioni said. “Today is a dream come true … I come from a small town, to be here, next to these giants is unthinkable.
“I hope the next generation looks up and believes they can dream. We dreamed that we could beat the best teams in the world, and we did.
“The kids, they have to learn to dream and work hard to do what we achieved. I think we can do this again, I have no doubt others can do this after us.”
