ESP/ARG – Gutierrez carries Olympic confidence into new campaign

MADRID (ACB) – He did not make many headlines, but for a while in Argentina's Olympic semi-final against the United States, Juan Gutierrez was arguably the best player on the floor.

After the South Americans fell behind by 21 by the end of the first quarter, and with Manu Ginobili having been lost for the rest of the Olympics with an ankle injury, Argentina coach Sergio Hernandez looked at his reserves and 2.05m forward Gutierrez delivered big style.

He scored six points and pulled down three rebounds in eight second-quarter minutes as Argentina cut the deficit to just six late in the first half.

The Americans would go on to win the game and the gold medal, while Argentina bounced back to defeat Lithuania in the bronze-medal game.

Gutierrez is playing as if the Olympic experience has given him a huge shot of confidence.

He had 11 points and five rebounds in Granada’s season-opening triumph over Bruesa and against Real Madrid on Thursday, Gutierrez had 22 points and six boards but his team fell just short in their upset bid, losing 81-80.

Spain’s Real Madrid captain Felipe Reyes had 22 points as well for the winners.

In other ACB games on Thursday, Unicaja Malaga following up their 17-point trouncing of Real Madrid with a 91-60 thrashing of Cajasol in Seville, and defending ACB champions Tau Ceramica improved to 2-0 with an 80-67 win over Ricoh Manresa.

ARG – Argentina job is Hernandez’s to keep if he wants it

BUENOS AIRES (CABB) - Argentina are hoping that Sergio Hernandez will remain in charge of the national side after leading the Albiceleste to an Olympic bronze medal.

The South Americans won the gold at the Athens Games four years ago under Ruben Magnano and this summer they overcame the loss of star guard Manu Ginobili to injury in their semi-final against Team USA and a troublesome knee that hobbled Andres Nocioni to beat Lithuania and clinch third place.

"We knew it wasn´t an easy process and Sergio did a very good job,” Argentina Basketball Federation vice president German Vaccaro said.

“In a world were results count, there is nothing to discuss. That is why we have offered him the chance to continue in charge of the national team."

Hernandez led Argentina to silver at the 2007 FIBA Americas Championship while in 2006, he guided the team to the semi-finals of the FIBA World Championship in Japan.