Argentina, and especially Ginobili saw their quest for another medal as they were eliminated by Team USA on Wednesday night as Argentina reached the Quarter-Finals. Although not all of Manu Ginobili, Luis Scola, Andres Nocioni and Carlos Delfino have officially retired from global play, all were expected to finish up their careers for their country in Rio de Janeiro. Two years later he helped Argentina capture the Gold Medal at the Olympics.
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Spain defeated France in a one-sided game, 92-67 in the men’s basketball quarterfinals of the 2016 Rio Olympics.
“To be at this level for many years, it is all so improbable”, said the 36-year-old Nocioni.
Revealing the details of his conversation with Ginobili, New York Knicks small forward Anthony said: “He’s put in a lot of work, and he’s represented them [Argentina] in a great fashion”. In addition to that gold medal, Argentina became the first team to beat the United States’ NBA players during the 2002 FIBA World Championships and accomplished the feat again in 2004, becoming (and still serving as) the the only nation to beat American NBA players twice in worldwide competition. The U.S. will be taking the next step in the Rio Olympics at the semi-finals when they face Spain, which is represented by Ginobili’s teammate in the National Basketball Association, namely Pau Gasol, who has been traded to the San Antonio Spurs this summer.
“I want to end my Spurs career on a high note”.
Spain will play against the United States of America on Friday while Australia, who beat Lithuania 90-64, take on Serbia after their 86-83 win over Croatia. “They were very kind, very respectful and when legends of the game showed their respect, it has an extra value. They spared some very kind words and I truly appreciate it”.
“I’m proudest of that”, Ginobili said. There really has been nobody completely like it.
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In a final farewell, Argentine fans congregated in the stands of the Carioca One arena to cheer him on one last time as the United States wrapped up a stinging 105-78 victory. “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”. 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 incredible run. 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.
