CONNECTICUT (FIBA World Championship for Women) - Tasked with retaining the FIBA World Championship for Women title he delivered four years ago in Czech Republic, Geno Auriemma is looking for the familiar surroundings of home to get the defending champions United States rolling in the lead-up to this year's edition of the event in Turkey.

Auriemma won his first gold medal at the helm when taking the USA to the top of the podium in Karlovy Vary in 2010. In the lead-up to preparing for what will be his third major tournament in the coaching hot-seat, he is looking forward to stepping out in some familiar surroundings.

Prior to heading to Turkey, the USA will close out their domestic training programme with an exhibition game against neighbours Canada on 15 September at Webster Bank Arena in Bridgeport, Connecticut.

"I can't wait to get this team together in the fall and I am thrilled to be able to finish our training in the United States right here in Bridgeport," said Auriemma, who calls the plays at the University of Connecticut.

"I know the fans will enjoy this opportunity to see the USA women's national team.

"I'm also excited about having the opportunity to play Canada. I know they will be working just as hard as we are to prepare for the FIBA World Championship and anytime you have the chance to go up against an international opponent, it only makes you better.

"Winning the gold medal isn't going to be easy, and our domestic training will be critical in our preparations," added the Naismith Hall of Fame and Women's Basketball Hall of Fame entrant.

Jim Tooley, USA Basketball CEO/Executive Director added: "USA Basketball is excited to partner with Bridgeport in hosting the exhibition game versus Canada.

"The state of Connecticut has a strong women's basketball fan-base and we can't think of a better place for the USA national team to close out its domestic training schedule than in Bridgeport.

"Fans will be treated to quite a show as the team will include some of the top talent this country has to offer."

It has been 14 years since the teams last met each other in an exhibition contest, although the USA did tussle with Canada as recently as 2012, when they swept their opponents aside 91-48 at the London Olympics.

With all of their players in WNBA action, it’s difficult for the reigning world champions to facilitate the same extensive preparation programme as most of their Turkey-bound peers. That means the team won't get together until a little under three weeks prior to the competition getting underway.

The preparation camp will commence on 8 September at the US Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland and further warm-up games in addition to the one against Canada are expected to be confirmed in due course.

And Auriemma certainly has some decisions to make as he prepares to choose his final roster from an embarrassment of riches. He currently has a pool of over 30 players to select from, including some of the biggest names in the women's game.

Auriemma will be assisted on the sideline by DePaul University head coach Doug Bruno, Minnesota Lynx head coach Cheryl Reeve as well as by University of South Carolina play-caller and former two-time world champion Dawn Staley.

FIBA