After taking some time away for himself, Manu Ginobili delineated his experience in London with his Argentinian squad, who finished fourth behind Russia, Spain and the United States.

In his piece for LA Nacion, Ginobili described his range of emotions he experienced in the heartbreaking bronze medal game, how he’s looking forward to Carlos Delfino’s tenure with Houston even though their roster will look dramatically different and the measures he’s taken to relax before he heads back to San Antonio next month.

Ginobili on the Olympics:

    “I would say that I’m not angry, but inevitably, still, when I think about what we just play, it hurts and it’s not     going to change. I spoke yesterday with a friend: I will be the same feeling as when we lost the final in     Indianapolis or the semifinal with Spain in 2006. These opportunities and do not give out, and you think     about how close that was. Because one thing is like in 2008 when we lost the semi with the United States,     or San Antonio in 2010, against Phoenix, we won 4-0 without discussion. When you pass and go home     and sleep easier. But when you were so close and you think about things that could be changed in small     details, digest it costs you more. Luckily, with the days goes by bitterness, and children and family to help     you be much better.”

While he isn’t committing to next years qualifier for the forthcoming World Cup, Ginobili still presented the possibility that he might represent his country in the near future.

    “I know many people think if this team has something more to give. Something I’m wondering is when you     can say that a team changed, that is another. When one goes, or five? When there are none? Nobody said     yet who will, who will not. We know that Carlos and Luis continue and they were in the Olympic gold, but it is     tricky to draw the line is not allowed to say more the Golden Generation. Those who are undecided will     know when the time comes. While not come and do not know how I will be, I can not say … It’s two years to     the next engagement, it is impossible to decide now. Surely Premundial not play next year, but will be later.”

Ginobili’s entire piece can be found here (or at the link above) so be sure to check it out.

So what do you think Spurs fans? Should Manu play with Argentina one final time?

David Stern will be awarded the Olympic Order award, the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) most prestigious award.

Stern has been instrumental in advancing the Olympic game to where it is today — where the United States are burgeoning powerhouses and the previously deficient international teams are suddenly viable contenders. The WNBA hasn’t been a rousing success in the States but the women’s game, as a result, has advanced through his efforts.

Via NBA’s official release:

    “Via NBA, official release NBA Commissioner David Stern has been awarded the prestigious Olympic Order     by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). He was presented the honour during the half-time of Sunday’s     men’s Olympic Basketball Final by IOC President Jacques Rogge, who attended the Final in the North     Greenwich Arena. Together with the then FIBA Secretary General Borislav Stankovic — who was awarded     the Olympic Order in 1985 — Stern was the key figure in working towards the participation of professional     basketball players in the Olympics, including those of the NBA.

    Among other achievements singled out by Rogge, was his contribution to women’s sport thanks to the setting     up of the WNBA, one of the first fully professional sports leagues for women. The Olympic Order is the     highest award of the Olympic Movement and is awarded for the recognition of merits in the cause of sport or     the Olympic Movement.”

As for Stern’s adamant age proposal? It’s going to be major awkward when the IOC will be faced with an immediate threat to the legitimacy of their tournament by the guy they deemed as a driving force behind basketball’s rapid ascent.

Awkward.