USA announce pre-Olympic Showcase

COLORADO SPRINGS (2016 Rio Olympics) - The United States have lined up several opponents this summer to get ready for the Rio de Janeiro Games, including FIBA Americas rivals Argentina.

The USA will go up against El Alma on 22 July in Las Vegas. The teams have had some famous encounters over the years, including in 2004 when Argentina won their Semi-Final at the Olympics before capturing the gold medal.

The Americans, however, have beaten Argentina in the big games since, including at the last couple of Olympics en route to back-to-back titles. The USA are No. 1 in the FIBA World Ranking Men and Argentina are No. 4.

The USA beat Argentina at the London Olympics

Mike Krzyzewski's team will then have two warm-up games against China, their opening day opponents in Rio.

The USA will meet China at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on 24 July and then two days later at Oracle Arena in Oakland.

The Americans will next play on 29 July at the United Center in Chicago against Venezuela, another of their Group A opponents in Rio, before finishing what they have dubbed the USA Basketball Showcase against Nigeria on 1 August in Houston. Argentina and Nigeria are in Group B of the Olympic men's basketball tournament.

Building our team chemistry quickly is vital, and the 2016 USA Basketball Showcase will offer our players and coaches the opportunity to become familiar with each other, to develop chemistry and to gain critical international experience against a variety of differing styles. - Krzyzewski

"With only a short period of training available, our training and exhibition games are critical in helping us prepare for the challenges we will face in Rio in defending our gold medal," said Jerry Colangelo, USA Basketball Chairman and National Team Managing Director. "We're excited to give USA Basketball fans nationwide the opportunity to see their USA National Team in Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Oakland, Chicago and Houston."

The United States are on a roll in international basketball. Since falling to Greece in the Semi-Finals of the 2006 FIBA Basketball World Cup in Japan, the Americans haven't lost a game. They put on an incredible show at the 2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup with Kyrie Irving scooping the honor as tournament MVP.

That triumph qualified the USA for the 2016 Olympics. They will be the favorites to reach the top of the podium in Brazil.

We'll face some excellent and experienced international teams, which will be important in our preparations. - Krzyzewski

"Playing five exhibition games in the United States in front of home crowds will be memorable for our players and fans alike, and we look forward to representing the United States in the best manner we can," Krzyzewski said.

FIBA