The coach spoke exclusively as two decades have passed since an iconic moment: Andrés Nocioni’s departure, Alejandro Montecchia’s pass and Manu’s basket, with 3 seconds and 8 thousandths remaining, in Argentina’s victory against in Serbia and Montenegro at the 2004 Athens Olympic Games.
Who would have thought, 20 years ago, that 3 seconds and 8 thousandths will last forever. In the retina of the fan – even the most forgetful – is the Olympic gold and the victory over Italy, by 84 to 69. But that cannot happen, if the August 15, 2004at the Athens Games, some crazy with the imagination dressed in light blue and white, representing the Argentina’s basketball teamthey didn’t the game of his life on debut against Serbia and Montenegro.
With the score 81-82, after a free kick by Dejan Tomašević, time stopped for the heroes: the departure of Andrés Nocioni, the pass of Alejandro Montecchia and the basket of Manu Ginobili -with popcorn- They will not have an expiration date. It was 83-82, it was the pirouette of revenge for the defeat against Yugoslavia, in the final of the World Cup in Indianapolis, two years ago.
The victory has a special flavor for everyone who experienced it, particularly for Rubén Magnano, coach of that team, who still remembers it every time they see it. Because? Because he made a exciting bullfight that will remain forever as a celebration that symbolizes a moment that will never be repeated.
Why? He took time out of his schedule, not as busy as at other times since his retirement, to chat exclusively TyCSports.com and make an analysis. “I could lie to you and say I planned it. It’s all capacity, It’s all talent on the part of the players.“he said between laughs.
“It is a product of tactical and technical ability. Of the emotional nature of the moment, of knowing not to fall into despair in such a short time.. “Playing with that precision and speed to achieve it”continued the coach from Cordoba.
It is worth mentioning that before the work of art was performed almost at the buzzer -Ginobili released the ball with 7 tenths of a second left-, the player himself wasted a free throw when the game was 76-78. But like a movie, Manu saved his talent for the last possession, his unmatched basket that opened the way for the run.
Through a phone call, Magnano takes a break and confesses: “They remember me more for the celebration than the gold medal. People were thanking me and enjoying the moment as if it was the finals. Perhaps, he suddenly predicts the coming days later.“.
When the match ended, after the futile protests made by the Serbs looking for any reason to avoid the fall, the Argentine team prepared to celebrate accordingly: hugs, kisses and unrestrained madness both in the stands and in the field.
Part of that madness invaded the coach’s body, which can’t remember “absolutely nothing” of his run: “I had breakfast the next day, during a training session. Ginobili grabbed my shoulder and showed me, through the computer, what happened. “The adrenaline of that moment made me forget it.”
What will never be forgotten for Magnano – and for everyone else – is what happened next. It’s already history. The postcards of that Greek afternoon, August 15, could not be more perfect, in a match that suffered is defined in one of the most iconic plays of national basketball history and was immortalized in the most iconic bullfight of national basketball history.
Source: Tycsports
My name is Adam Jackson and I am an author. I have been writing about Basketball games for over a decade now and am excited to share my knowledge with you all. Additionally, I am also interested in other sports and enjoy discussing them with others. Contact me if you want to discuss any Basketball-related topics!
