FIU to Play UNC in Coaches vs. Cancer Tournament

MIAMI – FIU announced today that it will play the University of North Carolina in the Coaches vs. Cancer Men’s Basketball Tournament on Monday, Nov. 9 in Chapel Hill. The game is a fundraiser for the American Cancer Society.

“We will honor our commitment to the tournament and the charity it will support,” said FIU Athletic Director Pete Garcia.

Since 1995, this tournament has raised more than $4.5 million for the American Cancer Society and has given college basketball teams an opportunity to play a role in the fight against cancer.

“We are proud to have been invited and want to help promote the American Cancer Society in any way we can,” said Coach Thomas. “Both my father and my mentor, Coach Chuck Daly, died of cancer, so this cause is dear to my heart.”

After playing North Carolina, FIU will host three Subregional Round doubleheaders in Miami from November 20-23.

Tournament organizer and Gazelle Group President Rick Giles said he is pleased with Garcia’s decision and indicated that having Coach Thomas’ college coaching debut televised on ESPNU is great for the cause, the event and FIU, based on the reality that the American Cancer Society will make more money and derive greater benefits with FIU in the event as opposed to playing without it.

“Everyone involved looks forward to a great game,” said Giles. “Initially there was a misunderstanding that created some confusion but after some review, everyone realized FIU’s important role. We are pleased to welcome FIU to the tournament.”

Giles added that FIU was given the option of playing this year or in 2010 but FIU decided to play this year.

Coach Thomas indicated that it would be an honor to play against the defending National Champions UNC.

About FIU:

Florida International University was founded in 1965 and is Miami’s only public research university. With a student body of more than 38,000, its 17 colleges and schools offer more than 200 bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral programs in fields such as engineering, international relations and law. More than 100,000 FIU alumni live and work in South Florida. FIU has been classified by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching as a “High Research Activity University”. In August 2009, FIU welcomed the inaugural class of the Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine. For more information about FIU, visit http://www.fiu.edu.