Team USA isn’t competing in the FIBA Americas Championship this year, but three Lincoln High School players are giving Denver basketball fans a reason to cheer.
Former Lancers stars Francisco Cruz, Jorge Gutierrez and Hector Hernandez are all playing for the Mexican national team. The squad jumped out to a strong start, beating the Dominican Republic 88-64 to kick off the tournament.
“It’s always an exciting time,” said former Lincoln head basketball coach Vince Valdez, who coached all three in high school. “Obviously the school and the community is really proud of them.”
If Mexico finishes first or second in the tournament (or third if the already Olympic-qualified Brazil finishes in the top two), they will get a berth in the 2016 Olympics — their first since 1976.