Scola, Van Gundy, Angel Rodriguez talk Qualifiers excitement prior to tip-off

AMERICAS (FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 Americas Qualifiers) – It is Game Day in the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 Americas Qualifiers and the excitement is in the air. Argentina’s captain Luis Scola, USA’s head coach Jeff Van Gundy and Puerto Rico standout Angel Rodriguez among others spoke about international basketball’s new era that tips-off tonight in the Americas.

“I think it’s a good format. It’s different but I like it and it’ll be really fun and interesting to be able to play through the year and have a continuous competition. Playing home and away is fun”, said Scola to CABB.com.ar after Argentina’s training session.

Argentina will play Paraguay tonight in Superdomo Coliseum in La Rioja at 9:15pm (local Argentina time), looking to build on a FIBA AmeriCup 2017 silver medal performance from a new generation of players that will now suit up to the Qualifiers led by the legendary Scola.

“I think every time you put on the jersey as a player or you coach representing your country, it is going to be emotional, it’s going to make you reflect on how blessed you are. But, to do it in front of my family here in the states, yeah, I think that is going to be a very significant day in my life and one I’m looking forward to.”, said to USAB.com Jeff Van Gundy, who will coach USA through the qualifying period.

USA was dominant under Van Gundy’s guidance in the FIBA AmeriCup 2017, lifting the trophy with an undefeated record. The MVP of the tournament, Jameel Warney, is back with USA along with Larry Drew II, Reggie Hearn and Xavier Munford, looking to start off the Qualifiers with a win against Puerto Rico, tonight in the CFE Arena in Orlando, Florida at 7:30pm (local Florida time).

Puerto Rico will play in Orlando after the devastation caused by hurricane Maria forced the team to move the game out of the island. But the players are on a mission to represent Puerto Rico in front of an estimated 150,000 Puerto Rican population that resides in central Florida.

“It is a great honor. I can’t even put into words how much I’ve thought about today’s game after having watched so many videos and not being able to communicate with my family during the hurricane. To now be able to wear this jersey and have Puerto Rico across my chest is an unspeakable feeling.”, said Angel Rodriguez, who had an amazing performance in his last FIBA AmeriCup 2017 appearance with Puerto Rico, scoring 23 points, 4 rebounds and 5 steals in the team’s win over Brazil.

The FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 Americas Qualifiers tip-off tonight with Uruguay vs Panama at 8:00pm (local Uruguay time) and Mexico vs Cuba at 9:00pm (local Guanajuato time), along with Argentina vs Paraguay and Puerto Rico vs USA.

FIBA