KU Representing the USA in Pool D for Upcoming World University Games
LAWRENCE, Kan. – Kansas men’s basketball will be representing the USA as the National Team at the 2015 World University Games (WUG) in Pool D, July 3-14, at Gwangju, Korea, the Games announced April 12.
Twenty-four teams will compete in the 2015 Games. There are four pools of six teams each. The International University Sports Federation (FISU) which governs the World University Games established the criteria for selecting each pool based on previous WUG results, previous participation in the Games, continental representation and the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) rankings. Following the five games in pool competition, the teams will be seeded for bracket play with the top two teams from each pool battling for a medal.
Joining the USA National Team in Pool D is Serbia, Brazil, Turkey, Chile and Switzerland. Historically, the USA has won 13 World University Games gold medals, three silvers and three bronze since the inception of the games in 1965. The USA’s last WUG gold medal came in 2005. The USA is 1-0 in the World University Games against Serbia with a 68-66 victory in 2009. Serbia later won the 2009 WUG gold medal and USA the bronze. The USA is 8-0 against Brazil with the last meeting in 2001, at USA 99-67 victory. The USA squad is 1-0 versus Turkey with the lone meeting in 2001, a 113-90 decision. The USA has yet to face Chile or Switzerland in World University Games competition.
There are five facilities which will host the men’s and women’s basketball competitions. Included are Jeonju Indoor Gymnasium, Muan Indoor Gymnasium, Muan Chodang University Gymnasium, Yeonggwang Sportium Gymnasium and Donkang College Gymnasium.
With more than 150 countries competing in 21 sports, the World University Games are held every two years and are governed by FISU and the 2015 Games are the 28th. Only current university student-athletes or recent graduates, born between Jan. 1, 1990, and Dec. 31, 1997, are eligible for the 2015 Games. For Kansas’ participation, only U.S. citizens can compete and incoming freshmen and transfers qualify. The Kansas travel party, consisting of 12 competitors and staff (24 total), will leave Lawrence June 28 and live in the athlete village throughout the Games.
This is the second time a college team will compete in the World University Games. In 2007, the University of Northern Iowa participated and finished ninth in Bangkok, Thailand.
2015 World University Games Pools
Pool A – Korea, Estonia, Germany, China, Angola, Mozambique
Pool B – Russia, Canada, Mexico, Mongolia, Sweden, Montenegro
Pool C – Australia, Lithuania, Finland, Japan, France, Chinese Taipei
Pool D – Serbia, Brazil, USA, Turkey, Chile, Switzerland
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