Ambitious build-up to FIBA Americas Championship as Pitino era begins
SAN JUAN (2015 FIBA Americas Championship) - With an itinerary that includes practices in the United States and preparation games against teams like Argentina, the Dominican Republic, Brazil, Canada and th
SAN JUAN (2015 FIBA Americas Championship) - With an itinerary that includes practices in the United States and preparation games against teams like Argentina, the Dominican Republic, Brazil, Canada and the University of Louisville, Puerto Rico have a busy and tough schedule to get ready for the 2015 FIBA Americas Championship.
New Puerto Rico coach Rick Pitino, who was unveiled in March, is set to travel to the island this week and will attend several games of the national league (BSN), and also meet and work with some of the players.
The appointment of the Naismith Hall of Fame coach has caused a big buzz.
UofL Coach Rick Pitino is speaking with media in Puerto Rico, where he will coach their natl team this summer #L1C4 pic.twitter.com/6jEXGsqsLY
— Kenny Klein (@KKcards) June 4, 2015
In early July, the Puerto Rican squad will launch its preparations for the Pan American Games (21-25 July) in Toronto.
In the build-up, the Boricuas will have friendly games against the Dominican Republic.
The team will head to Toronto on 18 July and once settled in Canada, take on Argentina in a friendly before having more practices prior to Pan Am Games tip-off.
When the games have concluded, the team will return to the island before flying to the United States and practicing at Louisville, where Pitino is the coach of the American college basketball team.
Puerto Rico will go up against the Pitino's Louisville Cardinals in several exhibition games.
The Boricuas will then play the "Tuto" Marchand Continental Cup 23-27 August against Argentina, Brazil, Canada and the Dominican Republic.
On 29 August, the Puerto Ricans will leave for Mexico where they will put the finishing touches on their preparation for the 2015 FIBA Americas Championship, which is to be held in Mexico City at the Palacio de los Deportes from 31 August to 12 September.
At the tournament, Puerto Rico will compete in Group B with Canada, Cuba, Argentina and Venezuela.
The top four sides will take on the four teams that emerge from a Group A which has the Dominican Republic, Mexico, Brazil, Panama and Uruguay.
The two finalists will claim tickets to next year's Rio de Janeiro Games, while the third-, fourth- and fifth-place teams will be invited to the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament.
Puerto Rico are hoping to reach the Olympics for the first time since 2004, when they competed at the Athens Games.
For the most complete coverage of the 2015 FIBA Americas Championship, visit fiba.com/Americas2015.
FIBA