Heading into the 2012 Olympic Games, the consensus going into the basketball tournament is the battle for the gold medal will come down to two teams -- Team U.S.A. and Spain.

But can really anyone blame the majority to have these two teams the leaders of the pack?

The U.S. will have a roster full of N.B.A. talent such as Blake Griffin, Chris Paul, Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Tyson Chandler, and Carmelo Anthony to name a few. Spain will also field a roster of great talent such as Pau and Marc Gasol, Serge Ibaka, Rudy Fernandez, and Jose Calderon.

Both teams have the size, talent, and experience to challenge for the gold medal but do not tell that to Argentina's Manu Ginobili.

Ginobili says Team Argentina is going for gold though he realizes some teams will be coming in younger.

Obviously, we're going for the gold medal again against opponents who may arrive in better shape.

The teams have to play everyone and anything can happen, surprises occur at all times.

If any team in the field can upset either the U.S. and Spain is Argentina. Many might be sleeping on Argentina heading into the tournament considering their roster is made up of players who have played together many times in international play and won gold together in 2004.

Known as the "Golden Era" of Argentinian basketball, the roster is a who's-who of players such as Luis Scola, Carlos Delfino, Andres Nocioni, Pablo Prigioni, and of course Ginobili.

This team is accomplished, has tremendous chemistry and have seen it all in the Olympic play.

Now taking down the U.S. and Spain will be a tall task but one shouldn't be surprised if Argentina serves up an upset. Moreover, with the French national team not at full strength (Joakim Noah, Ian Mahinmi, Rodrigue Beaubois, and Tony Parker recovering from an eye inury) Team Argentina could sak in and perhaps come away with the bronze.

But again, don't tell that to Ginobili.

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