Canada roster for men’s Olympic basketball qualifier released
A mix of NBA, international and youth talent will be at head coach Jay Triano’s disposal when his team tries to clinch a men’s Olympic qualifying spot in the Philippines over coming days.
On Sunday, Canada Basketball released its roster of players available to take part in the qualifying tourney, where the Canadians tipoff on July 5 against Turkey (on TSN2 at 6:25 a.m. ET).
https://twitter.com/NorthPoleHoops/status/749325281505054720
Arguably the biggest name on the team is current NBA champion Tristan Thompson, a stalwart forward/centre and defensive rock on the Cleveland Cavaliers. Thompson missed the earlier tournament last September, in which Canada had a chance to clinch a men’s Olympic berth but lost inexplicably to Venezuela, settling for bronze in the FIBA Americas competition.
RELATED: Canada wins bronze at FIBA Americas
NBA players joining Thompson in the frontcourt for Canada are Joel Anthony and Anthony Bennett. Additional forward presence will be provided by Khem Birch, Melvin Ejim and Levon Kendall – all play in Europe.
Toronto Raptors’ guard Cory Joseph will lead the backcourt. Another NBA-based point man, Tyler Ennis, will suit up for Canada, as will non-NBA guards Shai Alexander, Brady Heslip, and brothers Philip and Thomas Scrubb.
Cory Joseph at 2015 FIBA Americas (Photo: FIBA).
Alexander is an interesting addition. The Tennessee-based high school star from Ontario is a top-50 rated player in the U.S. collegiate recruitment class of 2017. Alexander has committed to the University of Florida.
RELATED: Canadian women qualify for Rio
Despite the intriguing mix of players heading to the Philippines, it has been noted by regular Canada watchers such as North Pole Hoops that a few big names won’t be at Triano’s avail for this qualifier.
Anthony Bennett
Following Turkey, Canada takes on Senegal the next day on July 6. Should Canada advance past those two group games, one of France, Philippines or New Zealand will await in the semifinals on July 9.
The final on July 10 sends the winner to Rio.
Canada Basketball women qualified for the Olympic Games last August on home court in Edmonton by winning their FIBA Americas tournament.
