Van Gundy named USA head coach for AmeriCup 2017 and World Cup 2019 Qualifiers

COLORADO SPRINGS (FIBA AmeriCup2017) - Former NBA head coach Jeff Van Gundy has been appointed head coach of the USA Basketball men's national teams that will compete in the FIBA AmeriCup 2017 and FIBA Basketball World 2019 Cup Qualifiers.

"I'm absolutely honored and humbled to be able to represent my country and USA Basketball in this summer's AmeriCup and the upcoming World Cup Qualifiers," Van Gundy said to the USA Basketball website. "I have a lot to learn about FIBA basketball and our competition and I can't wait to get started. I want to thank Jerry Colangelo, Gregg Popovich and ESPN for allowing me this opportunity."

Van Gundy will lead USA at the August 25-September 3 FIBA AmeriCup 2017 and will be assisted by Ty Ellis and veteran international coach Mo McHone.

USA will be part of Group C in Montevideo, Uruguay, and will debut on August 28 against Panama, then face Uruguay and the Dominican Republic on consecutive days. USA will need to win the preliminary group to advance to the Final Four of the FIBA AmeriCup 2017.

Van Gundy will also lead the USA when the team tips-off its qualification campaign to the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 with a visit Puerto Rico on Nov. 23, 2017, and the USA will host Mexico on Nov. 26, 2017, as part of the first preliminary window.

The second preliminary round window features the USA playing home games against Cuba on Feb. 23, 2018, and versus Puerto Rico on Feb. 26, 2018.

The third and final preliminary round window sees the USA play on the road versus Mexico on June 28, 2018, and against Cuba on July 1, 2018.

"USA Basketball is excited and appreciative that coach Van Gundy is willing to undertake this challenge and help lead the United States in these competitions," said Jerry Colangelo, USA Basketball Men’s National Team managing director. "Qualifying for the 2019 FIBA World Cup is the first step in our attempt to repeat as gold medalist, and we’re delighted that we were able to secure a coach of Jeff’s caliber to lead these USA teams."

FIBA