Olympic Basketball Draw Completed
4/28/2008 9:23:47 AM | Men's Basketball
by USA Basketball
BEIJING, China -- The United States men's basketball team learned on Saturday, April 26, who they will face in preliminary round games as the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) conducted the draw for the Olympic men's and women's basketball competition in Beijing, China, at the Beijing Olympic Basketball Gymnasium, site of the 2008 Olympic Games basketball competition. The U.S. squad includes former Syracuse standout Carmelo Anthony and head coach Jim Boeheim, who is an assistant for Olympic head coach Mike Krzyzewski.
The USA men were drawn into preliminary Group B, joining Africa zone champion Angola, host China, defending FIBA World Champ Spain, and two teams that will be determined through the 2008 FIBA World Olympic Qualifying Tournament that takes place July 14-20 in Athens, Greece. Group A for the men's competition consists of Lithuania, European champion Russia, defending Olympic champion Argentina, Australia, Iran and one team that will be determined through the FIBA World Olympic Qualifying Tournament. The men's basketball competition will held Aug. 10-24. Preliminary play is scheduled for August 10, 12, 14, 16 and 18; quarterfinals action takes place Aug. 20; semifinals play is slated for Aug. 22; and the men's finals will be held Aug. 24.
The U.S. Men's Olympic Team will open preliminary play Aug. 10 against host China, then play Angola on Aug. 12, an opponent to be determined through the FIBA World Olympic Qualifying Tournament on Aug. 14, 2006 FIBA World Champion Spain on Aug. 16, and the USA will close out preliminary play Aug. 18 against another opponent to be determined through the FIBA World Olympic Qualifying Tournament. Game times are to be assigned.
The USA men, bronze medalists at the 2004 Olympic Games, have medaled in every Olympics they have competed in. The USA men have won a striking 15 gold medals, one silver and two bronze medals in their 18 Olympic Games appearances (the United States chose not to participate in the 1980 Olympic Games), and compiled an impressive 114-5 record (.958).
