Greensboro to stage USA's World Cup Qualifier against Mexico on November 26

GREENSBORO (FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 Americas Qualifiers) - A United States city with a rich tradition of hosting important basketball games will be the site for the USA's first home game in the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 Americas Qualifiers.

After opening their campaign on November 23 at Puerto Rico, Jeff Van Gundy's American team will three days later take on Mexico in Greensboro, North Carolina.

Van Gundy and the USA will play Mexico in Greensboro, North Carolina

The Greensboro Coliseum Complex Fieldhouse first opened in 1959. Currently the home of the NBA G-League side Greensboro Swarm, the coliseum is where numerous ACC Tournaments and NCAA Tournament games have been played.

At the 1974 Final Four that was staged in Greensboro, North Carolina State famously ended the John Wooden-coached UCLA Bruins' streak of seven NCAA titles with a double-overtime semi-final triumph.

In late January of 1983, Michael Jordan enjoyed his highest scoring game as a player at the University of North Carolina. His Airness poured in 39 points in a 72-65 win over Georgia Tech.

In 1969, the Carolina Cougars started playing their first season in the old ABA at the venue. That team was led on the court by Billy Cunningham and the coach was Larry Brown. Brown, a long-time NBA and college coach, also held the reins for the USA at the 2004 Olympics.

There have been many other big basketball games played in Greensboro, since.

"USA Basketball is excited about the opportunity to partner with the Greensboro Swarm for the USA World Cup Qualifying Team's November 26 game versus Mexico," said Jim Tooley, USA Basketball CEO.

"The USA-Mexico game will be historic in that it will be the USA's first home game of FIBA World Cup Qualifying play. It will offer basketball fans a rare opportunity to cheer the USA on in a meaningful home game and I am confident it will be an electrifying atmosphere."

"We could not be more excited to have this phenomenal opportunity to host a USA Basketball World Cup Qualifying game here in Greensboro," Greensboro Swarm president Steve Swetoha said.

"It's a testament to the passion our market has for basketball and the wonderful support we have received that we are able to execute such a high-profile event in just our second season."

The USA won the FIBA AmeriCup 2017 this summer and is now turning its gaze to qualifying for the World Cup.

In the second qualifying window, Van Gundy's team will host Cuba on February 23 and Puerto Rico on February 26. The third window will see the USA play at Mexico on June 28 and at Cuba on July 1.

FIBA