MIAMI (United States) – Argentina enters the 2025 FIBA AmeriCup as the defending champion, after earning the title in the 2022 edition held in Brazil. However, that continental triumph was followed by a major setback: the albiceleste missed out on the FIBA Basketball World Cup for the first time since 1986, and failed to qualify for the Olympic Games for the first time since 2004.
Argentina is one of the most successful teams in the Americas and will now aim to bounce back and reclaim its status. Although the squad didn’t dominate in the AmeriCup Qualifiers, they still finished first in Group A with a 4-2 record and showcased several young players who seem ready to step into bigger roles at this year’s tournament.
Argentina currently ranks eighth in the FIBA World Ranking presented by Nike and third in the Americas, trailing only the United States and Canada.
Tournament history
The South Americans are one of four teams that have participated in all 20 editions of the top continental event. They have three titles to their name (2001, 2011, and 2022) and hold the record for most total medals, with 14 overall (6 silver and 5 bronze).
Players to watch
Nicolás Brussino will be the main reference point with the absence of stars such as Facundo Campazzo, Nicolás Laprovíttola, and Gabriel Deck. The forward, who averaged 11.6 points with Spain’s Gran Canaria, will have to take on a leading role in the offense. Although for the Argentine team, collective play has traditionally been a hallmark.
Big man Juan Fernández and shooting guard Gonzalo Corbalán are among the younger players ready to make a strong impact. Meanwhile, José Vildoza is fresh off a championship in Argentina’s league with Boca Juniors. He will have a key role to play in light of the absences.
Head coach: Pablo Prigioni
Prigioni made his debut as Argentina’s head coach in 2022 and led the team to an AmeriCup title that same year. As a player, he’s widely regarded as one of the best point guards in Argentina’s history. Since 2017, he’s been developing as a coach with stops at Baskonia in Spain, the Brooklyn Nets staff in the NBA, and since 2019, as an assistant coach with the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Prigioni lifted the AmeriCup trophy in his debut as Argentina’s head coach
Outlook
Argentina will compete in Group C, where they will open the tournament against hosts Nicaragua, followed by matchups against Dominican Republic and Colombia. As the reigning champion and a team with a storied history in the Americas, they are always considered a contender. Their preparation was solid, including a tour through Spain, but defending the title won’t be easy given the absence of several key players and the introduction of young, talented players who are still developing.
Even so, they should not be counted out in the race for a medal… If there’s one thing that defines Argentina, it’s their competitive pride.
Last 10 FIBA events
Year
Event
Rank
2023
FIBA Olympic Pre-Qualifying Tournament 2023
2nd
2022
FIBA AmeriCup
1st
2020
Men’s Olympic Basketball Tournament
7th
2019
FIBA Basketball World Cup
2nd
2017
FIBA AmeriCup
7th
2016
Men’s Olympic Basketball Tournament
8th
2016
South American Championship
4th
2015
FIBA AmeriCup
2nd
2014
FIBA Basketball World Cup
11th
2014
South American Championship
2nd
FIBA