Australia’s Boomers joined their rivals in an emotional minute of applause for Argentina legend Luis Scola during their Olympic Games quarterfinal on Tuesday.
With 51.4 seconds left on the click and Australia already well home in their 97-59 win, the 41-year-old Scola, a five-time Olympian and former gold medallist, left the court at an Olympics for the last time.
While his teammates started a round of applause all the Australian players soon joined in, and it was heartfelt and drawn out as Scola was close to tears.
“It’s an emotional time for him,” said Australia’s five-time Olympian Andrew Gaze on the Channel 7 commentary. “He’ never walked away from the obligations, regardless of the circumstances.
“He’s always put his hand up and this is genuine respect for one of the legends of the game. Fair play to Boomers for paying homage – I thought that was really classy. They stopped the game for a lot longer period than you’d usually stop a game for to acknowledge his greatness.”
Andrew Bogut said Scola was a rare big name player who would put his hand up for his international team, even if it wasn’t a big event
“He would play in smaller comps, in non World Cups, non Olympics, friendlies in the off season,” said Bogut.
“Credit to Scola, it was always tough playing against him.”
Scola, a dad of four, signed with the Houston Rockets in 2007, and was voted to the NBA All-Rookie First Team.
Later he played for the Phoenix Suns, Indiana Pacers, Toronto Raptors and Brooklyn Nets.
He has been a regular member of the Argentina national basketball team since 1999, winning an Olympic gold team medal in 2004 after they beat the USA in the semis, adding a bronze team medal in the 2008 Summer Olympics.
Scola confirmed afterward that it was his last game. When reminded that the next Olympics are only three years away he replied: “I don’t think I have three more days”.
nics
Roar Rookie
Well done to Scola - it's often what you do off the glare of the big stages, when noone is watching, that really matters - rocking up for all those 'minor' tournaments for your team in your off-season. Respect!
Machooka
Roar Guru
Thanks for this piece, Tony... and while I know it's on here in the rugby section, it's really nice to see it. :thumbup: For me, who's a massive B/Ball fan and player (back in the day) I have only total respect for Luis Scola, not only a player... but as a person too. He is a true ambassador for international B/Ball and his beloved country, Argentina. The guy is all class. So to see the response he got late in the game against the Boomers, not only from his own coach and players, but more so from the our team and our coaches, plus the few in attendance in the stands, was more than fitting and most deserved. And what really struck me the most was the length of time it went on. Felicidades Don Scola! :thumbup: :happy:
JGK
Roar Guru
It’s a team where the character of the senior guys shines through.
JGK
Roar Guru
These games have probably been the most gracious I’ve seen. It’s like everyone is so happy just to be there. And now that Patty had signed with the Nets, I wonder if Pop will give him a big hug after the game.
Loosey
Roar Rookie
This should be the norm. Sport has an enviable opportunity to provide an example for society to follow - respect your opponents, acknowledge the performance of others, be gracious in defeat but also in victory. Enjoy your retirement, Luis.
The Late News
Roar Rookie
Emotional Argentinians? Really? Well Done. Fabulous career in sport.
Grem
Roar Rookie
The Boomers are an impressive team - on the court and off the court. The respect they showed last night was deserved but still good to see. They've worked hard to overcome the loss of key players and shown improvement over the tournament. I wish the well in their next game.
Carlos the Argie
Roar Guru
Gracias. Nada más.