Argentina Basketball Coaches to Miss Cuba Match Due to US Sanctions

When Cuba and Argentina face off in Havana on November 27th as part of the Basketball World Cup qualifying round,the Argentinian squad will be without its head coach,Pablo Prigioni,and assistant coach,Hermán Muelo.

Both coaches have opted not to travel to the Cuban capital to avoid potential immigration issues stemming from United states sanctions against the island.

Basketball Plus reports that traveling to Cuba could create difficulties for thier re-entry into the US – where they currently reside – due to the increasingly strict policies enacted by the Trump Governance regarding Cuba.

“The limitations of the United States blockade of Cuba are coming into play here. Primarily for residents, Americans may not be allowed to return if they set foot on Cuban soil,” the publication states.

Prigioni, a former NBA player, currently serves as an assistant coach for the Minnesota Timberwolves, while Muelo holds the same position wiht the Sioux Falls Skyforce in the G-League.

Argentine basketball officials have confirmed that Nico casalinda will lead the team at the Ciudad Deportiva Coliseum.

Prigioni and Muelo are expected to resume their coaching duties for the return match between the two teams, scheduled for December 1st at the Obras venue in Argentina.

The decision was made considering the “known problems between both countries,” referencing the decades-long political dispute between Cuba and the United States.

Official: Cuban basketball without visas to travel to Puerto Rico

Recurring Problem

This issue,intensified after the Trump administration,has previously impacted basketball,notably when the Cuban team played the United States with only seven players due to visa delays for the remainder of the team.

In February of this year, the situation escalat

2025/11/22 03:42:58