Luis Scola, historic power forward of the Argentina Selection, winner of a gold medal at the 2004 Olympics, on more than one occasion is recognized by the world of basketball for issues that are beyond sporting merits.
After saying goodbye to the sport of his loves as a player after the Tokyo Olympics and put an end to his career on the field of play, Luifa took over as CEO of the last team he played for: Pallacanestro Varese, the second most successful club in Italy and of great renown within the Old Continent.
In his presentation, the former Houston Rockets, Ferro and Phoenix Suns, among others, revealed what he did on the morning of August 3, 2021 in Tokyo, a day on which, hours later, he wore the national team’s shirt for the last time, facing Australia for the quarterfinals of the Games.
“Four or five years ago I spoke with Sergio Hernandez, who had been the most important coach of my career and I told him that my goal for the last seasons of my career was to learn until the last day. “Luifa began counting.
“I remember that, in the morning before the last game, I had a routine to prepare for the game. He comes and says ‘come here’ and we do a routine of 15 minutes of fundamentals … I knew what he was doing in that moment, when we finish the routine he gives me a hug and says: ‘we have won’. I think that’s the main thing: learn to the end, learn every day and improve “, He concluded while a smile was drawn on his face.
Scola, a symbol of the national team
Undisputed pillar of that Golden Generation that marked an era in Argentine sports. With Manu Ginobili and company stomped on Athens 2004. They then took bronze at the 2008 Beijing Olympics and placed fourth at the Beijing Games. London in 2012. In addition, they got the runner-up at the 2002 Indianapolis World Cup, eliminating the local and favorite: the United States.
Scola and his gilthead (EFE)
Years passed and withdrawals became inevitable. The team was losing its great players, who are now legends, but new faces were appearing, such as that of Facu Campazzo, who today runs the post. But anyway, hunger and love for the white and blue, made Luifa, 39 years old, lead Argentina to another world final, this time it would be in China 2019, where the Albiceleste fell to Spain.
In addition, the one trained in Ferro adds among his track records with the National Team the 2001 and 2011 FIBA Americas, the 2008 Diamond Ball and the 2019 Pan American Games.
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