FIBA Americas 2015 (Photo : REUTERS)
The stage is set for the 17th edition of the FIBA Americas Championship in Mexico City, Mexico. 10 nations across the American continent will be vying not only for the gold but the rights to join World and Olympic champion United States and host nation Brazil at the Rio de Janeiro Summer Games in 2016.
Day 1 of the biennial regional cage fest will be pitting Venezuela against Cuba; Brazil, which already secured a spot in the Olympics by virtue of hosting the Olympics next year, against Uruguay; Puerto Rico against bitter rivals Argentina, host nation Mexico against Dominican Republic.
Double-Header Offering:
Puerto Rico vs. Argentina (Box Scores): There's no better way to start a tournament than rekindling the rivalry between these two South American heavyweights. After playing in last year's FIBA World Cup, both Puerto Rica and Argentina attempt to punch it through to the Olympics this time around.
Argentina will no longer have main gunner Manu Ginobili with them, but Toronto Raptors veteran forward Luis Scola and former Chicago Bulls banger Andres Nacioni will continue to play for the flag, assuming the role as the leaders of this young squad.
Puerto Rico, on other hand, will be parading arguably the second best lineup on paper, just next to Canada. Dallas Mavericks J.J Barea will lead a top-heavy roster consists of former NBA player Renaldo Balkman, sharpshooter Larry Ayuso and Ramon Clemente. Moreover, Louisville head coach Rick Pitino will be coaching these Puerto Rican squad hungry to return to the Olympics after failing to secure a slot in the past two Olympic qualifiers.
Mexico vs. Dominican Republic (Box Scores): Gustavo Ayon and the Mexican men's basketball team came out of nowhere to win the FIBA Americas championship two years ago in Venezuela. They will try to prove it wasn't a fluke as they kick off their campaign against Dominican Republic, who will be playing without Atlanta Hawks center Al Horford.
The 2015 FIBA Americas Championship can be watched live online on ESPN Watch and Sports Stream. Stats, highlights and updates are available on the tournament's website at Mexico FIBA Americas 2015.
