June 22, 2010

PHILADELPHIA - La Salle freshman men's basketball player Matt Lopez has been selected to play for the Puerto Rico U-18 National Team that will compete at the FIBA Americas Championship in San Antonio. Puerto Rico will open play on June 26 versus Brazil before taking on fellow Group A participants Canada (June 27) and Uruguay (June 28). The United States, along with the Virgin Islands, Argentina and Mexico, will compete in Group B.

"I am thrilled that Matt has been selected to the Puerto Rican U-18 National Team," La Salle head coach Dr. John Giannini said. "It is a great basketball and life experience for him. He recently had a 22-point performance against Brazil in an exhibition game before he had to leave for his high school graduation."

"Puerto Rico was an Olympic qualifying country in 2004 so this is a very prestigious selection for Matt that could lead to future international opportunities," Giannini said. "We are very proud of him and look forward to his arrival on campus after the FIBA Americas Championship."

Lopez (6-10, 220) averaged 16.5 points and 11.0 rebounds per game for Washington Twp. last season. He earned third team all-New Jersey Group IV honors and second team All-South Jersey as a senior.

The top four teams qualify for the 2011 FIBA U19 World Championship for Men. This event will have live video streaming on www.fibaamericas.com.