The International Basketball Federation has announced the Groups for the men’s and women’s basketball tournaments at the Lima 2019 Pan American Games.
FIBA presented the Official Draw for the tournament via YouTube . Host Natalia Melendez picked mini-basketballs from four different bowls containing two countries each to determine the groups.
The draw was opened by FIBA Americas President Usie Richards, who wished all the countries luck ahead of the draw.
"We wish each and every team a hardy and pleasant competition, and we look forward to the grand finale in Lima. We want to stick with our motto for the Pan American Games – Let’s All Play, Jugamos Todos. Thank you for joining us, and good luck!" Richards said.
One country from each bowl was separated into either Group A or Group B, with another bowl determining the number of each team in the Groups.
The draw for the men’s tournament was held first, which will take place from July 31 to August 4 during the Lima 2019 Games.
Puerto Rico, the United States, Virgin Islands and Venezuela will face off in Group A. Group B will feature the teams from Mexico, Argentina, Uruguay and the Dominican Republic.
The women’s tournament will be held from August 6-10. In Group A, the teams of Canada, Puerto Rico, Paraguay and Brazil will compete for a spot in the knockout stage. The United States, Colombia, Virgin Islands and Argentina will square off against one another in Group B.
Some of the best men’s and women’s basketball players from across the continent will compete for the gold medals in Eduardo Dibos Coliseum.
While Brazil, the champion from Toronto 2015 on the men’s side, did not qualify to compete at Lima 2019, Canada will be seeking to match the gold medal it won at Toronto 2015 on the women’s side.
The United States will also seek to improve from it’s bronze and silver medals won in the men’s and women’s tournaments at Toronto 2015, respectively.
MEN
Group A
1. Puerto Rico
2. USA
3. Virgin Islands
4. Venezuela
Group B
1. Mexico
2. Argentina
3. Uruguay
4. Dominican Republic
WOMEN
Group A
1. Canada
2. Puerto Rico
3. Paraguay
4. Brazil
Group B
1. United States
2. Colombia
3. Virgin Islands
4. Argentina
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