Nocioni To Play For Argentina

Andres Nocioni, acquired by the 76ers with Spencer Hawes from Sacramento in the recent trade for Samuel Dalembert, intends to play for his native Argentina in the FIBA World Championships in Turkey.

''Absoutely it's his plan,'' said Mike Cound, one of Nocioni's representatives

When he represented Argentina in the Beijing Olympics, Nocioni told the Chicago Tribune ''With the National Team, you are representing your home country. So I feel it in my heart, I feel it in my chest, I feel it in my national colors. The feeling is really nice.''

The 24-nation Worlds competition begins Aug. 28, with Argentina in a grouping with the USA, Brazil, Canada and Puerto Rico.

Nocioni is expected to arrive in Philadelphia sometime Tuesday to take his physical examination.

Spencer Hawes, the center acquired in the trade, is also expected to arrive Tuesday.