According to a report from SportingNews.com, Isiah Thomas-led Florida International wants to avoid playing defending champion North Carolina in the season-opening 2K Sports Classic so much that it’s threatening to withdraw from the tournament.
Despite Florida International’s emphatic refusal to play North Carolina in the first game of the season Nov. 9, Gazelle Group representative Rick Giles, promoter of the tournament, which benefits Coaches vs. Cancer, expects Florida International to “do the right thing” and accept its match up against the Tar Heels. Giles and his group want the marquee appeal that Thomas’ coaching debut vs. North Carolina will bring.
Florida International signed a contract in 2008 to open the 2009-10 season at either Ohio State or North Carolina, Giles said. The Golden Panthers wanted Ohio State and were blindsided upon learning they were scheduled against the Tar Heels, Athletic Director Pete Garcia said.
Thomas shared Garcia’s shock after the schedule news came out.
“I had no idea,” Thomas said. “No one contacted me, our athletic director, no one. Maybe in 2010, 2011 we can play North Carolina, but not this year.”
Regardless of what happens in the classic’s earlier rounds, North Carolina, Ohio State, California and Syracuse will meet in the semifinals and finals Nov. 19-20 at Madison Square Garden.
