Team Argentina is off to a great start at the 2012 London Games as they crushed Lithuania 102-79 in 
their opening game. The team was led by Luis Scola with 32 points and San Antonio Spurs’ Manu Ginobili notched 21 points and grabbed 10 rebounds in the win.
It was an all around victory for Argentina as other members of the team who make up the “Golden Generation” of Argentinian basketball such as Carlos Delfino, Pablo Prigioni, and Andres Nocioni all helped swat Lithuania.
But for as much as many point to the team’s age, Ginobili says this team shouldn’t be counted out. In fact, he says this team reminds him of the team that captured a medal (bronze) at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
After the great victory in the opener against Lithuania, the Argentine national team star said: “This team reminds me of the team that won the bronze medal in Beijing.”
Well aside from the fact most of the players from that ’08 squad are currently playing in London, this team should challenge for the bronze. They have the chemistry, experience, veteran leadership, and the desire to medal considering this will likely be the last time the “Golden Generation” of players will be on the same court together. Because of this, the top teams such as the U.S. and Spain, should not take Team Argentina lightly.
Also, with Team France not have a complete squad, and other teams not likely to challenge Argentina (except for Team Russia), there is a huge chance Argentina returns home with the bronze.
And that would be one fantastic way to end the “Golden Generation” of Argentina basketball.
