The 29-year-old has had a wonderful 2005-06 club season in Spain and has been rewarded by Argentina head coach Sergio Hernandez with a call-up.

"After playing well for a whole season I have been rewarded by being here," said Prigioni.

"I'm excited and want to share the experience with this team who brought so much joy to our country," said Prigioni in reference to the Olympic triumph in 2004.

"It's fantastic to play in such a prestigious team."

Prigioni told Clarin newspaper: "Without confidence there is no point being here.

"I am confident we will play good basketball but we have to take it step by step."

The Tau Ceramica guard, who will wear the number 11 shirt in Japan, has recovered from a virus he contracted during the Spanish ACB league play-offs.

"The doctors were a bit frightened, because they told me that that the virus could disappear in 20 days or even in one month or two," said Prigioni.

"I was worried because I felt I would not have been ready to play in the World Championship."

Prigioni earned a place in the 12-man squad of coach Sergio Hernandez and now hopes to emulate the success of the Argentina team that finished runners-up in the 2002 FIBA World Championship and then won the Olympic title two years later.

"In 2002 and 2004, I watched them as just another fan because I already knew these guys and the coaching staff (led by Ruben Magnano)," he added.

"Now that I have the chance to be here, I have to play well to carry on for the future.

"This national team has such prestige that everyone has to do their best because everyone wants to beat Argentina."