FIBA - Trophy Tour to take centre stage in Mexico City

MEXICO CITY (FIBA Basketball World Cup) - Mexico takes centre stage this week for the second stop on the Americas leg of the Trophy Tour.

The Naismith Trophy arrives on Monday in the capital Mexico City with a full calendar of activities that tips off on Tuesday with a trophy presentation at the Hotel Presidente that will be attended by key figures in the Mexican sports world, along with main players of the national team.

Confirmed for the event are the President of the National Olympic Committee, Mr Carlos Padilla, National Commission of Physical Culture and Sports Director, Mr Jesus Mena, Mexican National Federation (ADEMEBA) President, Mr Modesto Robledo and Secretary General of FIBA Americas, Mr Alberto Garcia.

Following the great job done by Jose 'Piculín' Ortiz in Puerto Rico 10 days ago, the Trophy Tour stop in Mexico will have another legend as its ambassador in Horacio Llamas, a member of the national team from 2003 to 2012 and the first Mexican to play in the NBA. Current Mexico players Lorenzo Mata, Pedro Meza and Hector Hernandez have confirmed their presence.

On Wednesday, the Naismith Trophy will be on public display at the Pabellon Polanco, enabling fans and passers-by to have their picture taking with it as well as with Meza and Mata, who are scheduled to make visits.

Thursday will be a full media tour day for the Naismith Trophy as it will appear on FOX Sports' flagship TV programmes.

The FIBA Basketball World Cup will be played in Spain from 30 August to September 14 and feature 24 teams, including Mexico who will play in Group D in Gran Canarias.

"Mexico were a pleasant surprise last year in our FIBA Americas Championship and after a lot of hard work they are back on the world stage. So it is fitting to reward that dedication and performance by bringing the Naismith Trophy to the country," said Mr Garcia.

"Our hope is that it serves as an incentive for them to once again rise to the challenge at Spain 2014 so that they can cement themselves as elite, not only in Americas basketball, but in the world."

"For us it is truly special to have the Naismith Trophy with us in Mexico and we are thankful to FIBA for the great initiative," said Mr Robledo.

"Our national team is back in a world championship for the first time in 40 years and it is a great pride for our country. Now, with this Trophy here we can dare to dream even more."

FIBA