BRAZIL: BASKETBALL - International Basketball Federation, FIBA, announces the men and women's Olympic grouping in Rio de Janeiro

Record ID: 330696

  • Title: BRAZIL: BASKETBALL - International Basketball Federation, FIBA, announces the men and women's Olympic grouping in Rio de Janeiro
  • Date: 1st May 2012
  • Summary: SLATE INFORMATION
  • Embargoed: 16th May 2012 13:00
  • Keywords:
  • Location: Brazil
  • Country: Brazil
  • Topics: Sports
  • Reuters ID: LVADMORK8FJJ14R6Y2OH233NXRCH
  • Story Text: With the London Olympics less than three months away, the draw ceremony for the Olympic basketball tournament took place on Monday (April 30), in Rio de Janeiro.
    The International Basketball Federation, FIBA, led the announcement for both men and women's teams.
    Olympic men's basketball champions United States have drawn Argentina, France and Tunisia in Group A at the London Games.
    European champions Spain, who lost the 2008 Games final in Beijing to the U.S., are in Group B with hosts Britain, Australia, China and Brazil, following Monday's draw at the Brazilian Olympic Committee headquarters.
    London 2012 competition manager for basketball, Joanna Sutherland, said the games will be competitive.
    "I think it is great. It is a really tough game to start with and I think that both teams are willing to play and get going, get the tournament started. So, I think all games will have very some competitive tournaments in London. I am very excited," she said.
    Both men's and the women's tournaments were divided into two separate groups of 12 teams that will compete at the 2012 Olympics.
    The three places still up for grabs in the 12-team tournament at the July 27-Aug. 12 Games will be decided at a qualifying tournament in Caracas from June 2-8.
    Brazil's former basketball player, Hortensia Marcari, said all of the Olympic teams are ready for the tournament.
    "I think that all of the teams competing in the Olympics are strong. Would you rather face Russia, Czech Republic or Turkey? There is no escape," she said.
    The U.S. women's team, looking for their fifth consecutive gold medal, were drawn with China, Angola and three teams that will emerge from a qualifying tournament in Turkey.
    The other group so far has Australia, runners-up at the last three Games, Russia, Britain and Brazil.
    At the London Olympics, the first four teams on each group head to the final quarters.
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