Pacers forward Luis Scola, 33, is the lone NBA player from Argentina competing in Caracas.

This team is basically Luis Scola plus Argentina’s B-Team. But don’t sleep on Argentina just because most of the big names are missing. The core of this team (without Scola) went undefeated at last summer’s South America tourney, where it beat a Venezuelan team (with Greivis Vasquez) twice. Argentina was also in a similar situation in 2009 when it was basically Scola plus the B-Team, and managed to finish third.I’m not really sure why Scola is playing, since the 2011 Americas champs are under little pressure to qualify. If they fail to qualify this summer, a wild-card selection would be a mere formality. I imagine the Indiana Pacers are wondering why Scola is suiting up, too, especially since he hasn’t sat out a summer for Argentina since 2005. Nevertheless, Scola is still a major force in national team play and the best player in the field, despite the fact his game has been slowly declining in the NBA. Argentina will likely ride Scola hard, looking for him to carry the offensive load and playing him 30-plus minutes a game. Scola is looking for his fourth straight Americas MVP trophy. Marcos Delia, a 2012 Nike Hoop Summit alumni, gives Argentina a much-needed dose of length. The 6-10 Delia is a mobile rebounder who can score inside with both hands. ACB veteran forward Leo Mainoldi gives Argentina a dangerous stretch-4.

Marcos Delia of Argentina (L) blocks a shot by Renaldo Balkman of Puerto Rico during their men’s preliminary round basketball game at the Pan American Games in Guadalajara October 27, 2011.

With no Pablo Prigioni to run the point, Argentina will put the ball in the hands of youngsters Facundo Campazzo and former Temple Owl Juan Fernandez. The diminutive Campazzo gave Argentina quality minutes at the Olympics (when Prigioni was battling kidney stones) and uses ball screens well to hit jumpers or to get into the lane. The 6-4 Fernandez is a nifty passer and capable shooter who can play both guard spots.

This team might not have the talent of a typical Argentina team but it is still a cohesive unit. Many of these guys have played together before and understand the Argentina system of spacing, quick ball movement and finding open spots in the defense.