Soaring Down South
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Atlanta Hawks watch: Nicolas Brussino enjoys success with Argentina

By George Jeliazkov

CORDOBA, ARGENTINA - SEPTEMBER 03: Darrun Hilliard II of United States challenges Nicolas Brussino of Argentina during the FIBA Americup final match between US and Argentina at Orfeo Superdomo arena on September 03, 2017 in Cordoba, Argentina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Marcelo Endelli/NBAE via Getty Images)
CORDOBA, ARGENTINA - SEPTEMBER 03: Darrun Hilliard II of United States challenges Nicolas Brussino of Argentina during the FIBA Americup final match between US and Argentina at Orfeo Superdomo arena on September 03, 2017 in Cordoba, Argentina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Marcelo Endelli/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Newly acquired Atlanta Hawk Nicolas Brussino spent this offseason representing his home country Argentina in a successful 2017 edition of FIBA AmeriCup.

Although he may not be a household name to Hawks fans as of yet, Nicolas Brussino has certainly announced himself to the Argentine community during the 18th edition of AmeriCup. The shooting guard from Cañada de Gómez made a fair bit of noise despite much of the international basketball community paying close attention to EuroBasket, where Hawks players Dennis Schroder and Marco Belinelli shined.

The squad from Argentina were led by the 24-year-old former Dallas Maverick all the way to the final, where they squared off with the U.S. After trailing by a considerable 20 points in the third quarter, an NBA-less Team USA fought their way back against Brussino and company to win by a 5-point margin.

Despite the disappointment, Brussino put in a warrior’s effort with an excellent shooting display that resulted in 26 points, a game-high on 8 of 11 shooting from the field. His accomplishments were rewarded by AmeriCup, naming him among the Ideal Five of the tournament.

Team USA was composed of notable players from the G-League, and Brussino was able to show that he clearly did not belong. Despite seeing some playing time in 54 games for the Mavericks last season, he spent multiple terms with the Texas Legends.

The Atlanta Hawks have obviously liked what they’ve seen from the young swingman and claimed him off of waivers only two days after being waived by the Mavericks.

As far as his expected contribution to the Hawks this season, he will primarily be restricted to the bench, pending any in-season injuries, and will fight for minutes at the 2 and 3 along with Malcolm Delaney, Luke Babbitt, and Tyler Dorsey. Brussino and Hawks fans alike should be eager for the season to start so that he can show that the NBA is the appropriate tier for his game.

Next: Dewayne Dedmon: Free agent built for Atlanta’s success

International Hawks players are on a tear with their respective countries and should take solace in that fact, since the season is projected to be bleak and rather scarce in the wins category. As with any young player, it’s comforting to see Brussino perform well for his country and Mike Budenholzer will hope that he can bring that same energy when he returns to the team.

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