ORLANDO (FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 Americas Qualifiers) – Puerto Rico and USA will add a new chapter to their rivalry on the opening day of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 Americas Qualifiers.

The Puerto Ricans will host the USA in the CFE Arena in Orlando, Florida, as part of Group C of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 Americas Qualifiers.

Familiar faces Ramon Clemente, Guillermo Diaz, Angel Vassallo and David Huertas return to the Puerto Rican team after not playing in the FIBA AmeriCup 2017. The Puerto Ricans have high hopes on Gian Clavell, who will play for the team after a stint with the NBA’s Dallas Mavericks.

Meanwhile, USA will bring back FIBA AmeriCup 2017 MVP Jameel Warney, who averaged 12.8 points and was a dominating presence in the paint for the North Americans in the team’s key moments. Also, returning from the undefeated AmeriCup team are Larry Drew II, Reggie Hearn, Jonathan Holmes and Xavier Munford under the helm of head coach Jeff Van Gundy.

"Puerto Rico is an incredibly deep, talented, tough, resilient team. They shoot the 3-ball extremely well, they shot 46 percent from 3 in the AmeriCup. They have terrific guard play and good size," said USA Head Coach Jeff Van Gundy.

"We have to have an intensity and a grit that they (Puerto Rico) possess. They have shared experiences together, they have continuity and been together for a long time, and we have five days together. So somehow, we have to build that intensity and passion that they have built over the course of a lifetime," said Van Gundy about USA’s keys to the game.

Key Matchups: FIBA AmeriCup 2017 MVP Jameel Warney will be USA’s top offensive option, while Puerto Rico’s offensive weapons Diaz, Huertas, and Vasallo will try to combat the opponents offensive power. Defensive stops will be fundamental for the teams aspirations in the game, and returning Ramon Clemente may be a welcoming site for the Boricuas in the paint.

Key Stats: USA teams own a record of 52-9 against Puerto Rican sides. Puerto Rico’s last victory over the USA was an 88-83 win in the FIBA AmeriCup 2005.

FIBA