Three Argentines on the WNBA Campus: who are the players one step away from the basketball mecca

Argentina is putting together a solid project in women’s basketball and the work comes from the training categories. The path that the national team started at the Under 17 World Cup in Hungary, at the beginning of July, saw three players who shine in the country and who are strengthening in the discipline: Angelina Giacone (16), Dagmar Hentschel (17) and Giovanna Amaya (16). The World Cup event ended with an elimination against the guest in the round of 16. But the dream of continuing to grow and train players does not stop.

A few weeks ago, the three Argentine girls returned to make a name for themselves in the world of basketball. This time, the best championship in the world has its eye on them. The WNBA organized the Women’s Academy Games for the first time, in a high school in Atlanta, United States, with the best prospects in the world of basketball. And again, Argentina was present.

Angelina, Dagmar and Juana, also bronze medalist at FIBA ​​Americas U18, were the only three Argentines in a list of 40 non-American players who participated in this elite training program.

The idea of ​​the campus is that the best prospects outside the United States in high school can compete against each other and show their skills in front of NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association) coaches and WNBA recruiters. (National Women’s Basketball Association). A big step to see in the most dominant league in the world. And the Argentine girls have been able to exploit their opportunity.

“The women’s event saw the participation of four teams of great international players and two local teams. In addition to the exhibition matches, the NBA Academy Games and the Women’s NBA Academy Games featured coaches and academy staff guiding perspectives through a variety of activities, including anthropometric and athletic testing, motor efficiency training, strength and life skills seminars focusing on education, health and wellness, leadership and communication. ” , confirmed by the organization in an official statement.

In addition, the men’s event participated Marvin-Williams (former Atlanta Hawks, Utah Jazz, Charlotte Hornets and Milwaukee Bucks player). For their part, the girls had the opportunity to have an open chat with female basketball figures like Elaine Powell Y Tamara Moore.

The experience of Argentine girls

In dialogue with Clarione, Angelina Giacone, a player of the Talleres RPB de Santa Fe, talked about the feelings of her time in the United States. “It was a unique experience. We were able to learn and improve together with high-level players and coaches”, began the Argentine shooting guard who wore the 8 jersey of the black and finished eighth in the top scorer ranking with 37 points.

The representative of the Argentine national team, who also won gold at the recent South American Youth Games held in Rosario, added: “Training and competition with girls from all over the world have also made us adapt to different languages ​​and cultures” .

And, without hiding his joy, he said: “We have taken away many positive things and aspects that we need to improve, but We leave very happy for the experience we had to live“.

The emotion of Argentine girls to participate in an event like this is not a small one. Many put aside the activities typical of their age to have a better sporting performance. “Basketball is everything to me. I work hard to improve day after day. I leave many things aside to be the best I can be,” confessed Giacone to this reporter.

Angelina, which has as references Facu Campazzotoday hoping to solve his future in the NBA, e chaga flower, who spent a short time with the WNBA’s Indiana Fever, knows hard work is the key to success. And she continues to dream: “I would like to continue representing my country, which for me is the greatest satisfaction. Reaching the senior national team would be a dream.”

On the other hand, Dagmar Hentscheldi Obras, confessed to this medium: “It was an incredible experience to be able to represent the country among so many girls from all over the world. To face very good players and to be able to compete at that level.”

The escort of the Argentine national team who played for the blue team in the NBA program and scored 8 goals in the third game and repeated his score in the last, analyzed: “The spaces, the place, the organization, everything is different level. .. I am very happy to have lived this experience and to have brought me so many new things “.

While, Giovanna AmayaHarrods point guard Gath and Chaves de Virrey del Pino said: “This is the third time I have been able to attend an NBA event and the competition was increasing and the girls’ groups were decreasing.”

And he added of his experience: “Therefore, having participated in these last NBA Academy Games makes me very happy and, at the same time, excites me to think that my every effort has a reward, which is neither more nor less, than being selected. from coaches at a high level like those of the NBA “.

The Argentine who played for the green team with the number 1 and scored 6 points with 2 rebounds in the third game and 6 points with 3 rebounds in the fourth round, concluded: “Things like this always encourage me to keep growing as a player“.

nba academy

nba academy is a year-round elite basketball development program that provides training to athletes outside of the United States with a holistic approach to player development and a predictable path to maximizing their potential. The program emphasizes health and well-being, character development and life skills, and offers athletes the opportunity to learn the game from professional, university and international coaches. Since 2017 the NBA Academy Games were launched in Canberra, Australia; Grande Noida, India; San Luis Potosí, Mexico; and Sally, Senegal.

Chris Ebersole, vice president of the NBA, said in an official statement: “This event will help the next generation learn about international perspectives, work with their peers, learn directly from experienced coaches and continue their development.” He added: “We are very pleased to host the NBA Academy Games as part of our commitment to developing better prospects outside the United States. “

In March 2018, the NBA launched the women’s program. A series of basketball development camps for America’s best female prospects in league academies. To date, more than 70 participants of the nba academy have committed or continued to attend NCAA Division I colleges in the United States and more than 13 have played, are playing, or have signed up to play at a professional level.