BUENOS AIRES (Rio 2016 Olympic Games) - Four very important members of Argentina's golden generation are in Rio de Janeiro for their last Olympic Games.

Luis Scola, Andres Nocioni, Manu Ginobili and Carlos Delfino had big roles in the side that captured the title at the Athens Games 12 years ago. Other members of that side have since retired from the national team, or from basketball all together, with new members finding their way into the squad.

Among the newcomers in 2016 is Roberto Acuna.

"I am aware that I’m living a unique situation, that I will participate in the Olympic Games. The role I have on the team will depend on what I do. I know what my role on the team is. I have a great opportunity and I am determined to seize it." - Acuna

Acuna is the least known player of the Argentine squad. His 2.08m height and his great season in the Argentine National League resulted in him landing a spot on the preliminary squad and he became a surprise choice in the final 12-man roster for Rio de Janeiro.

"I lived my selection for the Olympic Games with a lot of emotion, it was very special. The first thing I remembered was everything that had happened in my career, since I started playing, I was very young. I did not imagine I could be in the final list and that I could be part of the greatest sports event," admitted Acuna.

Born in the city of Rafaela, from a young age he helped his father on the fields, at the same time going to school.

Acuna's history in the professional league is particularly short, as he has only played two seasons of the National League, on the 2014-15 season with Ciclistas de Junin and in the 2015-16 season with Peñarol de Mar del Plata.

"When I look at this situation, I remember that three years ago I was playing in the third division of Argentine basketball. When I heard I was on the final roster for Rio, I remembered everything I have experienced since I started playing. So I will try to enjoy this to the maximum." - Acuna

Last season with Peñarol, Acuna played for Sergio Hernandez, who is also the head coach of Argentina team, something which the player considered a plus.

"I think the coach saw my desire, effort and attitude. I showed progress during the first half of the preparation. For him to be my coach on Peñarol was a big help, because he knows me and he knows what I can give. My merits was never giving up, to fight for my spot and that led me to be in Rio de Janeiro," he explained.

Being almost unknown to most, he became a teammate of Argentine basketball greats Emanuel Ginobili, Luis Scola and Andres Nocioni.

"For me being with players of this hierarchy and trajectory means a lot. Sharing a dressing room, a workout or a dinner with them is a dream come true and I enjoy every one of those moments. It does not generate pressure, because they give you confidence. I know that I have to contribute my share and that is what I will try to do every time I go out on the court," said the center.

Although there was uncertainty about the contributions Acuña could make to the national team, during the warm-up games he accumulated more minutes than the expected.

"The team expects me to supply energy in the paint, to defend, to fight in the rebounding and to be active on the pick-and-roll. I know that this will be my role, I have to do it and I will come into the court with that goal," said the player about his role on the team.

"I am aware that I'm living a unique situation and that I will participate in the Olympic Games. The role I have on the team will depend on what I do. I know what my role on the team is. I have a great opportunity and I am determined to seize it," concluded Acuña.

Argentina will begin its Olympic campaign on August 7th against Nigeria. The South Americans will also face Spain, Brazil, Lithuania and Croatia in group action.

A top four finish will be needed for Argentina to advance to the Quarter-Finals.

FIBA