Canadian basketball stars inspired by soccer team’s World Cup run
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, a two-time NBA MVP with the Oklahoma City Thunder, will play for Canada in the upcoming FIBA Americas qualifiers. The games will take place at Hamilton‘s TD Coliseum, which recently announced a basketball court designed in his honour. Gilgeous-Alexander became an investor in TD Coliseum earlier this year, supporting the growth of his hometown as a sports and entertainment destination. The SGA-themed court is set to debut this week as Hamilton hosts the qualifiers.
Gilgeous-Alexander, alongside teammates Dillon Brooks and Nickeil Alexander-Walker, expressed inspiration from Canada‘s men’s soccer team, which advanced to the Round of 16 at the World Cup. Gilgeous-Alexander noted that watching their success has been inspiring, highlighting the program’s growth and the development of its players in a short period. He described the experience as fun and a source of Canadian pride.
Brooks, a small forward with the Phoenix Suns, attended two of Canada‘s group-stage soccer matches in Toronto and Vancouver before joining the basketball team’s training camp in Toronto. He conveyed that the support for the soccer team is strong across the country and expressed anticipation for their next opponent in the upcoming round. Alexander-Walker, a guard with the Atlanta Hawks, also shared his support for Canada, despite admitting he doesn’t know much about soccer.
Commitment to play for Canada
Despite a demanding NBA season that included a lengthy playoff run to the Western Conference final with Oklahoma City, Gilgeous-Alexander emphasized his commitment to playing for Canada. He stated that playing for his country was a childhood dream and that he seizes every opportunity to do so. Gilgeous-Alexander averaged 31.1 points, 6.6 assists, 4.3 rebounds, and 1.4 steals per game in the past season, earning his second consecutive league MVP award.
Brooks, whose Phoenix Suns were eliminated by Gilgeous-Alexander’s Thunder in the first round of the NBA playoffs, also reiterated his eagerness to represent Canada. He acknowledged the logistical challenges but asserted that playing for the country is a straightforward decision. Brooks will serve as co-captain alongside Gilgeous-Alexander for the upcoming games. Alexander-Walker, Gilgeous-Alexander’s cousin, also had a playoff run with his Atlanta Hawks before their loss to the New York Knicks in the first round. He emphasized the importance of commitment and the enjoyment of playing at home in front of a local crowd, following a career season in Atlanta where he earned the NBA’s Most Improved Player Award.
Upcoming FIBA Americas qualifiers
Canada‘s men’s basketball team is preparing for two crucial FIBA Americas qualifying games. They are scheduled to face Puerto Rico on Friday and Jamaica on July 6 at Hamilton’s TD Coliseum. These games are part of their qualification campaign for the 2027 Basketball World Cup. Canada currently leads Group B with a perfect 4-0 record, with two games remaining in the qualifying stage. While Canada is in a strong position to advance to the second round, seeding remains a factor, with Brazil and Uruguay also holding 4-0 records, and Mexico and Chile at 3-0.
The 16-player roster for the two qualifying games was announced by Canada Basketball general manager Rowan Barrett and head coach Gordie Herbert. In addition to Gilgeous-Alexander, Brooks, and Alexander-Walker, the roster includes Charles Bediako, Aaron Best, Khem Birch, Marcus Carr, Kyshawn George, Mfiondu Kabengele, Thomas Kennedy, Leonard Miller, Andrew Nembhard, Ryan Nembhard, Kassius Robertson, Jackson Rowe, and Kyle Wiltjer. Coach Herbert stressed the importance of developing a team mentality, noting that it is a process that takes time. Barrett encouraged Canadian basketball fans to attend the games, highlighting the rare opportunity for the players to compete in their home country.
The Canadian men’s soccer team secured a 1-0 victory against South Africa on Sunday in a Round of 32 match held in Los Angeles, marking their first knockout match win at the World Cup.
Read Also
Source: cp24.com
