Men's Basketball Release (2004-05) - Guilford vs. Italian Jr. National Team - Guilford College

• GUILFORD TO PLAY ITALIAN NATIONAL JUNIOR MEN'S BASKETBALL TEAM

Greensboro, NC (11/3/04) -- Guilford College's men's basketball team opens the 2004-05 season with a special exhibition game against the Italian Junior National Team Wednesday, November 10 at 7:00 p.m. The contest will be played in Alumni Gym, Guilford's basketball home from 1940-80.

The contest marks the first public appearance for the Quakers' new-look squad. Head coach Tom Palombo's team returns just four players from last year's 15-11 club that matched the school's Division III record for wins in a season (15). Junior center Genaro Lawhorn is the lone returning regular. He ranked second among 2003-04 Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC) field-goal percentage leaders (62.6%) and averaged 11.0 points and 4.4 rebounds per game. Palombo had almost 30 players try out for the team this fall and will use the exhibition to help divide the roster into varsity and junior varsity squads.

The Italian Junior National Team is Guilford's first international men's basketball opponent. Italy's senior national team drew worldwide acclaim by winning the silver medal at the 2004 Summer Olympic Games. The bulk of the team will be comprised of members of Italy's squad that placed fourth at the 2004 European Men's Under-18 Championships.

In addition to showcasing Guilford's new student-athletes, the contest will also show off the refurbished Alumni Gym, which received new windows, new paint and a renovated playing surface last summer. Affectionately known as the "Cracker Box," the gym hosted many memorable basketball contests and served as the home of future National Basketball Association players Bob Kauffman '68, M.L. Carr '73, World B. Free '77 and Greg Jackson '74. The Quakers' men often played local rivals such as Elon, High Point, and Winston-Salem State before standing-room only crowds.

Alumni Gym's seating is limited. A select number of free tickets will be distributed to Guilford students, faculty and staff in Guilford's Founders Hall. Remaining tickets will be sold to the public at the door. Tickets cost $4 for adults, $2 for youth ages 6-18. Children under six receive free admission. Fans should contact Guilford's Athletic Department at 336-316-2190 for more information.