Team Canada Basketball Thread V3.0

[mojo13]

Really nice first game but against very subpar competition. The results should have been expected but happy none-the-lesss.

Generally they looked more crisp and cohesive than expected - especially for Game 1 in Window 1. More like a team that has played together many times before and very familiar with the system and coaching. Chery and Alexander were the primary newbies out there and they looked like they fit in quite seamlessly. Chery looked great running in the point, steady and in control and taking his scoring opportunities appropriately. I'm really glad he showed up and as a first timer he looked like he could be a better option than even Keane or TBH.

Alexander was such a relief to see out there. He fills such a big defensive hole at Center. He is long, quick, athletic, rim protects, rebounds and finishes. He did just what he is doing in the ACB - an easy double double with strong interior defense. What really makes him important is he (along with Tommy Scrubb) allow Kyle Wiltjer and Anthony Bennett to both let loose at the PF spot and cover their defensive issues (not that a team like Bahamas can exploit those two). But I really like that T Scrubb, Wiltjer, Alexander front court. The main threat to Alexander and Team Canada is possibly losing him to the EuroLeague - hopefully that doesn't happen this season.

Wiltjer might be my bigger and much better version of Brady Heslip - both of who could really light it up against inferior competition. Brady withered under better competition and typically hurt the team more than helped. Wiltjer seems to have a much higher melting point though. I think the World Cup or Olympic level more where that happens.

Phil didn't have much of a scoring punch, but he really looked like he was trying to orchestrate and make sure the newer players were getting their shots. Double digit assists for Phil.

21 points for Aaron Best? He really seems a different player when he pulls on the Canada jersey. The guy has been a mediocre player on mediocre BBL teams for years to the point that he doesn't even have a pro contract this season. Yesterday he looked like a EuroCup level starter. Wonder if showings like this allow him to land something this season?

AJ Lawson is worth mentioning - he had a couple athletic plays, but to me he looked like an inexperience rookie, getting his first flavor for FIBA ball at the senior level. I hope he continues to see minutes, but it hammers home relative level of young G-Leaguers to the European mid-career pros in decent leagues. Glad to see we minimize the G-Leaguers.

[TrueNorth31]

Really nice first game but against very subpar competition. The results should have been expected but happy none-the-lesss.

Generally they looked more crisp and cohesive than expected - especially for Game 1 in Window 1. More like a team that has played together many times before and very familiar with the system and coaching. Chery and Alexander were the primary newbies out there and they looked like they fit in quite seamlessly. Chery looked great running in the point, steady and in control and taking his scoring opportunities appropriately. I'm really glad he showed up and as a first timer he looked like he could be a better option than even Keane or TBH.

Alexander was such a relief to see out there. He fills such a big defensive hole at Center. He is long, quick, athletic, rim protects, rebounds and finishes. He did just what he is doing in the ACB - an easy double double with strong interior defense. What really makes him important is he (along with Tommy Scrubb) allow Kyle Wiltjer and Anthony Bennett to both let loose at the PF spot and cover their defensive issues (not that a team like Bahamas can exploit those two). But I really like that T Scrubb, Wiltjer, Alexander front court. The main threat to Alexander and Team Canada is possibly losing him to the EuroLeague - hopefully that doesn't happen this season.

Wiltjer might be my bigger and much better version of Brady Heslip - both of who could really light it up against inferior competition. Brady withered under better competition and typically hurt the team more than helped. Wiltjer seems to have a much higher melting point though. I think the World Cup or Olympic level more where that happens.

Phil didn't have much of a scoring punch, but he really looked like he was trying to orchestrate and make sure the newer players were getting their shots. Double digit assists for Phil.

21 points for Aaron Best? He really seems a different player when he pulls on the Canada jersey. The guy has been a mediocre player on mediocre BBL teams for years to the point that he doesn't even have a pro contract this season. Yesterday he looked like a EuroCup level starter. Wonder if showings like this allow him to land something this season?

AJ Lawson is worth mentioning - he had a couple athletic plays, but to me he looked like an inexperience rookie, getting his first flavor for FIBA ball at the senior level. I hope he continues to see minutes, but it hammers home relative level of young G-Leaguers to the European mid-career pros in decent leagues. Glad to see we minimize the G-Leaguers.

Solid analysis. It's just too bad the Bahamas isn't quite up to the standard. I thought Robertson was pretty good as well. Watching the game it drove home just how important quality 3 point shooting is in the Fiba game. It's something I thought the Victoria team lacked this past summer at times. In retrospect maybe they should have given Mulder more of a run. It was hard to do though given their lack of preparation games and getting the player rotations properly ironed out.

[aminiaturebuddha]

So Canada did exactly what they needed to do. Two solid wins against a team they should beat, the Bahamas, and end up with a +78 point differential, which could always play a role down the line.

Wiltjer once again was basically unstoppable, and although Canada's effort wasn't as consistent in this game (especially in the first half), they poured it on when it mattered against an inferior opponent.

Robertson is also a gunner. Anytime he's even remotely open from the outside, you feel like the ball is going in.

I also thought Lawson was a bit better this game. He still showed some of his youth and inexperience at times, but it seemed like he found more ways to impact the game in addition to some scoring.

Also, I have to say, Thomas Scrubb does a lot of things well, and is an important glue guy for the team, but man he puts up some of the most awkward looking shots at times.

[BilboBanginz]

ESPN's 2022 Top-100 has been updated:
https://www.espn.com/nba/draft/bestavailable/_/position/ovr/page/4

#14. Caleb Houstan
#16. Bennedict Mathurin
#41. Andrew Nembhard
#43. Zach Edey

[aminiaturebuddha]

PVR'd the Purdue game tonight and just watched it.

In addition to the other things that he does well, Edey also does a great job of sealing off areas on offence to give his guards driving lanes. I know this sounds like it should be an easy thing to do for a guy his size, but there are lots of big guys that just tend to get in the way of their guards whenever they want to drive into the paint. Zach's the opposite, he seems to know what his teammates are trying to do, and gives them the space to do it, but still gets himself in position for offensive rebounds. That's an underrated ability.

Also, on a side note, Purdue is a great team. They don't seem to have many weaknesses. Neither does Edey's teammate Jaden Ivey, who's a hell of a player. Ivey definitely seems like a top 5 draft pick-type talent at this point.

[Hair Canada]

PVR'd the Purdue game tonight and just watched it.

In addition to the other things that he does well, Edey also does a great job of sealing off areas on offence to give his guards driving lanes. I know this sounds like it should be an easy thing to do for a guy his size, but there are lots of big guys that just tend to get in the way of their guards whenever they want to drive into the paint. Zach's the opposite, he seems to know what his teammates are trying to do, and gives them the space to do it, but still gets himself in position for offensive rebounds. That's an underrated ability.

Also, on a side note, Purdue is a great team. They don't seem to have many weaknesses. Neither does Edey's teammate Jaden Ivey, who's a hell of a player. Ivey definitely seems like a top 5 draft pick-type talent at this point.

Ye, I totally agree on this, great observation, Buddha. His general feel for the game is quite exceptional given how shortly he's been playing competitive basketball. And it gets better almost by the month.

And ye, Purdue is awesome. There's the obvious two-headed monster at center with Edey and Williams and Ivey as the future NBA star. But a few others are really impressive as well. The senior Stefanovic has been great, shooting the ball really well (more than 3 3-pointers per game on 47% shooting). But maybe even more importantly, he's been the team's best passer with 5 assists per game. He's actually the main guy who finds Edey in his spots and they mesh really well together, with Stefanovic really profiting from the fact that Edey gets all this defensive attention to get open for his 3-pointers (he only needs a split second. And even beyond Srefanotic, they just have great shooters: Ivey, Newman (a really good young player), and Thompson are all making at least two 3-pointers per game shooting 42% or better (Thompson with 60% and Purdue as a team with an unreal 44% from 3). So what you get a team that's really hard to stop (92ppg) and a is a real contender.

[mojo13]

How about this monster line from Fardaws Aimaq:
24p/22r/5s/4a/3b, 7/19 FG, 2/4 3PT, 8/13 FT, 4 TO, 4 PF, 44 MIN. 8 OFF REB

All versus #12 BYU in a huge upset.


I'd been trying not to get to excited about him thinking he was feasting on bad teams with undersized players - but this one is something to get excited about. Wonder how soon we see him on the draft boards.

Averaging 21/15 on 53 FG% and 1.5 A, 1.5 BLK and 1 STL a game.

[Hair Canada]

How about this monster line from Fardaws Aimaq:
24p/22r/5s/4a/3b, 7/19 FG, 2/4 3PT, 8/13 FT, 4 TO, 4 PF, 44 MIN. 8 OFF REB

All versus #12 BYU in a huge upset.


I'd been trying not to get to excited about him thinking he was feasting on bad teams with undersized players - but this one is something to get excited about. Wonder how soon we see him on the draft boards.

Averaging 21/15 on 53 FG% and 1.5 A, 1.5 BLK and 1 STL a game.

TBH, he's still a bit of a tough sell for me for the NBA. Great rebounder, strong, hard worker, and skilled. but not an exceptional rim defender. And on offense, he's mainly a post-up guy, with just okay efficiency. Not super athletic. Doesn't really have a handle or an outside shot (unless yesterday was a sign of things to come). In short, he really is a great college player and no doubt will be a pro somewhere. But for me, the NBA is quite a tough transition to imagine. Especially with how hard it is for bigs these days to get there and stick around. Hope I'm wrong on that. And I do like his future prospects with Team Canada.

[mojo13]

How about this monster line from Fardaws Aimaq:
24p/22r/5s/4a/3b, 7/19 FG, 2/4 3PT, 8/13 FT, 4 TO, 4 PF, 44 MIN. 8 OFF REB

All versus #12 BYU in a huge upset.


I'd been trying not to get to excited about him thinking he was feasting on bad teams with undersized players - but this one is something to get excited about. Wonder how soon we see him on the draft boards.

Averaging 21/15 on 53 FG% and 1.5 A, 1.5 BLK and 1 STL a game.

TBH, he's still a bit of a tough sell for me for the NBA. Great rebounder, strong, hard worker, and skilled. but not an exceptional rim defender. And on offense, he's mainly a post-up guy, with just okay efficiency. Not super athletic. Doesn't really have a handle or an outside shot (unless yesterday was a sign of things to come). In short, he really is a great college player and no doubt will be a pro somewhere. But for me, the NBA is quite a tough transition to imagine. Especially with how hard it is for bigs these days to get there and stick around. Hope I'm wrong on that. And I do like his future prospects with Team Canada.

Have you watched him much this season? I really only caught last night's game and he looked really good.
For me there is a bit of a reset and a fresh look needed this season, as he clearly worked very hard on his body this offseason and has improved his game meaningfully. He dropped 25 pounds and looks in excellent shape. He managed to up his scoring significantly from 14ppg to 21ppg so far. We are starting to see a little three point shooting too - Coach Madsen mentioned yesterday they have an agreement that if he gets 15 rebounds he needs to take at least 2 threes - so he has the supportive coach.

Anyways if he is really 6'11 / 245 as listed then he is of interesting enough to the SMNT considering our shortage of true bigs.
Outside of Houstan/Mathurin/Edey/Nembhard it seems that Aimaq is the next guy knocking on the draft boards no?

He is more interesting to me than Marcus Carr who isn't looking overly impressive at Texas. Quincy Guerrier (and Oregon) is a total mess right now. Who else is legitimately close?

[Hair Canada]

How about this monster line from Fardaws Aimaq:
24p/22r/5s/4a/3b, 7/19 FG, 2/4 3PT, 8/13 FT, 4 TO, 4 PF, 44 MIN. 8 OFF REB

All versus #12 BYU in a huge upset.


I'd been trying not to get to excited about him thinking he was feasting on bad teams with undersized players - but this one is something to get excited about. Wonder how soon we see him on the draft boards.

Averaging 21/15 on 53 FG% and 1.5 A, 1.5 BLK and 1 STL a game.

TBH, he's still a bit of a tough sell for me for the NBA. Great rebounder, strong, hard worker, and skilled. but not an exceptional rim defender. And on offense, he's mainly a post-up guy, with just okay efficiency. Not super athletic. Doesn't really have a handle or an outside shot (unless yesterday was a sign of things to come). In short, he really is a great college player and no doubt will be a pro somewhere. But for me, the NBA is quite a tough transition to imagine. Especially with how hard it is for bigs these days to get there and stick around. Hope I'm wrong on that. And I do like his future prospects with Team Canada.

Have you watched him much this season? I really only caught last night's game and he looked really good.
For me there is a bit of a reset and a fresh look needed this season, as he clearly worked very hard on his body this offseason and has improved his game meaningfully. He dropped 25 pounds and looks in excellent shape. He managed to up his scoring significantly from 14ppg to 21ppg so far. We are starting to see a little three point shooting too - Coach Madsen mentioned yesterday they have an agreement that if he gets 15 rebounds he needs to take at least 2 threes - so he has the supportive coach.

Anyways if he is really 6'11 / 245 as listed then he is of interesting enough to the SMNT considering our shortage of true bigs.
Outside of Houstan/Mathurin/Edey/Nembhard it seems that Aimaq is the next guy knocking on the draft boards no?

He is more interesting to me than Marcus Carr who isn't looking overly impressive at Texas. Quincy Guerrier (and Oregon) is a total mess right now. Who else is legitimately close?

Yes, watched a couple of his games. Yesterday was the first he really showed the outside shooting, which could be crucial. Don't get me wrong, I love his development and what he can potentially bring to the national team down the line. So I'm mainly talking about NBA potential here. And the demands from modern NBA centers are just so absurd that it's still hard for me to see the path. On defense, you need to be a really good rim defender (didn't quite see that consistently), be able to switch in the P&R (also not sure about this, as he hasn't been tested much at this level but is not the quickest guy). Offensively, if you don't have the 3-point shooting, the foot speed to blow by defenders, or the size and skill of a Jokic/Embiid, then you're mostly relegated to being a rim runner. And Aimaq, from what I've seen, is more a below-the-rim player with pretty good but not great footwork and post skills.

Again, none of this is a dis on him. He's made fantastic progress with his body and his game over the last two years and is a hell of a college player. And I'm pretty sure he will be a successful pro somewhere and a really nice asset for the NT. NBA? Seems like more of a long shot to me (also don't forget he's already 23yo). But hopefully, I'm wrong about it. Wouldn't be the first time.

[aminiaturebuddha]

You guys are always ahead of the game! Some love for Fardaws Aimaq in ESPN today in their weekly CBB power rankings article.

"Player of the Week: Fardaws Aimaq, Utah Valley Wolverines
Aimaq was a revelation last season for Utah Valley, winning WAC Player of the Year honors and leading the nation in rebounding. After declaring for the NBA draft, he opted to return to the Wolverines -- and might be even better this season.

He was dominant in Utah Valley's overtime upset win over BYU last week, finishing with 24 points, 22 rebounds (eight on the offensive end), four assists, three blocks and four steals. Moreover, he played a game-high 44 minutes in the victory. He's now tallied double-doubles in all but one game this season, helping lead the Wolverines to a 7-1 start -- and seven straight wins since their season-opening loss at Boise State.

The 6-foot-11 Canada native is also now averaging 20.8 points and 14.8 rebounds -- the most combined points and rebounds per game in the country."

[mojo13]

Ben Mathurin worth pointing out as well with an excellent game last night. Put up 29 points for Arizona vs. Oregon State. Four 3PTM, four dunks.

Shooting stroke looked good. Seems to have the tools/explosion for slashing, finishing, defending at the NBA level. But still with lots of potential to improve.

Here is every Mathurin shot, assist, rebound, steal, & turnover from that game for those curious.

Watch on YouTube

[CharlieTO]

Simi Shittu is in Israel playing for Ironi Ness Ziona of the Israeli Basketball Super League. I was wondering where he was.

[mojo13]

As Simi begins, Anthony Bennett's time in Israel may be coming to an end. Rumors are that he will be cut this week.
He had a couple good games early on then had his minutes (and production) cut drastically. They booted the initial coach and under the new coach it has progressively gotten worse. Maybe it was just a bad fit but I am starting to think he just can not play defense at decent pro level and can't stay on the floor despite his solid offensive production. Rumors now that Mike George (agent) is trying to get him (and Thon Maker) to Australia's NBL.


In other news - Nik Stauskas has benefited from the Covid outbreak and found himself back in the NBA with the Raptors for however long. Who could be next? Kabengele would be the top choice...but I think he is tied to the Rockets. Lindell Wigginton is putting up a tonne of points in the G, albeit his normal inefficient self. None of Mane, Darling, Haley, Lawson, Jackson or Tishmanga are looking anything more than G-League bench fillers. I'd be shocked if any get a call up, even in these desperate times.

In Europe - A basement dweller the last few seasons, Avtodor Saratov is now in 1st place in the Russian VTB standings, led by the dynamic Canadian backcourt duo of Kenny Chery (15/3/5) and Phil Scrubb (14/2/4).
https://www.eurohoops.net/en/vtb/1285879/avtodor-saratov-climbs-to-1st-place-in-vtb-league/

In the NCAA - Ben Mathurin is playing really well and looks firmly in the lottery at this point. Perhaps pushing up to the 6-8 range?
Caleb Houstan is starting to play better but still looks a little iffy and has fallen into the mid-1st round on the draft boards.

Once upon a time Emmanuel Akot was a 5 star recruit & projected lottery pick. The tools were always there but the game wasn't. Now a 6'8 senior PG at Boise St, his game's evolved & the intrigue is rising once again. He's even made his way onto at least one mainstream mock (2nd rd on NBADraft.net - yeah...I know, but still...). Is he the guy to watch after Muthurin, Hosutan, Edey and maybe Nembhard? Or is Aimaq above Akot?


Dillon Brooks, SGA, Lu Dort all on a tear in the NBA. Lots going on!



I even heard a rumor out there that Terrance Ross is pursuing his Canadian citizenship (wife and children are Canadian) and may play for Canada. My first reaction is that's not really a player or position of need, but we do still have a participation issue . He likely would have been the best player on the 2019 WC team, for example.
Putting this rumor aside (really no idea if true and could be complete BS) - Canada does have the one naturalization spot that is rarely utilized (I think Sam Dalembert was the last one?) Not that Canada really needs to use it, we just need to mobilize the players we already have...but I wonder if it could (should?) ever be put to use. It would need to be someone like Ross with family ties or someone who has spent a good deal of time in Canada as a pro and wants to do it for some altruistic reason (FVV? Siakam?). It would be nice to build some big depth through it, but there are not many candidates out there.

*as a reminder naturalization applies to any player who becomes a citizen of a country after age 17. FIBA allows 1 naturalized player per roster.

[BilboBanginz]

Read on Twitter

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[BilboBanginz]

Another incredible game for Mathurin.
27 Pts (10/16 FGs), 6 Rbs, 2 Asts

Watch on YouTube

Also Zach Edey had another great game despite the loss.
24 Pts (10/17 FGs), 10 Rbs, 2 Asts

Watch on YouTube

[mojo13]

Starting to see allot of talk of Mathurin in the #5-8 range for this draft. He has been looking really good.

In other news:

Grange with a "State of the Union" type read on Canadian Basketball heading into 2022.
https://www.sportsnet.ca/nba/article/2022-beyond-future-canadian-basketball-endlessly-bright/
Not sure there is anything too new here, but worth the read.

Aaron Best picked up by the 905

Nik Stauskas picked up by the Heat on a 10-day after he couldn't appear with the Raptors (covid).

Kevin Pangos sort of struggling in his three starts with the Cavs. Looks tentative to me. Not the aggressive PnR conductor we saw in Europe nor the dead-eye shooter. He seems to be passing up good open looks and not hitting the ones he is taking.
I can't tell if this is general tightness and he needs more time to get comfortable, of if the transition to the increased length and athleticism in the NBA is too much for him. I do recall he struggled mightily with length in the paint at the beginning of his rookie season in Europe, but he adjusted well - it did take a couple months though. Cavs pretty quickly felt they need to trade for Rondo, which puts KP back to a third stringer when Garlund gets back.


Andrew Wiggins is playing really well. Career bests in so many efficiency stats and playing great D. I wonder if he will make the All-Star team. How many near 20ppg scorers on the best record team have missed the all-star game? Not many I'd guess. Add in his great defensive play and he sure looks like a good candidate.

[Hair Canada]

Another incredible game for Mathurin.
27 Pts (10/16 FGs), 6 Rbs, 2 Asts

Watch on YouTube

Also Zach Edey had another great game despite the loss.
24 Pts (10/17 FGs), 10 Rbs, 2 Asts

Watch on YouTube

Bilbo, thanks for posting. How do you get access to these videos? As far as I can tell, they are not available on a simple Google search.

[Hair Canada]

Starting to see allot of talk of Mathurin in the #5-8 range for this draft. He has been looking really good.

In other news:

Grange with a "State of the Union" type read on Canadian Basketball heading into 2022.
https://www.sportsnet.ca/nba/article/2022-beyond-future-canadian-basketball-endlessly-bright/
Not sure there is anything too new here, but worth the read.

Aaron Best picked up by the 905

Nik Stauskas picked up by the Heat on a 10-day after he couldn't appear with the Raptors (covid).

Kevin Pangos sort of struggling in his three starts with the Cavs. Looks tentative to me. Not the aggressive PnR conductor we saw in Europe nor the dead-eye shooter. He seems to be passing up good open looks and not hitting the ones he is taking.
I can't tell if this is general tightness and he needs more time to get comfortable, of if the transition to the increased length and athleticism in the NBA is too much for him. I do recall he struggled mightily with length in the paint at the beginning of his rookie season in Europe, but he adjusted well - it did take a couple months though. Cavs pretty quickly felt they need to trade for Rondo, which puts KP back to a third stringer when Garlund gets back.


Andrew Wiggins is playing really well. Career bests in so many efficiency stats and playing great D. I wonder if he will make the All-Star team. How many near 20ppg scorers on the best record team have missed the all-star game? Not many I'd guess. Add in his great defensive play and he sure looks like a good candidate.

Great reviews Mojo (this one and also the former, which I've just seen). the Canada thread gets buried really quickly here so if you don't visit dialy it's easy to miss these posts, which is too bad.

For naturalized players, I would think it's worth it only if we're talking a big man. And should probably be a long-time Raptors player, as is the case with most naturalized players in other countries. For example, Siakam might be worth the trouble. Or maybe Barnes down the line. If I'm basketball Canada, I take an active approach, utilizing the local connections (Raptors; Nurse) and trying to convince one of these to commit if they're interested.

I agree with Pangos. Looks really tentative and nothing like the player who might have been the best PG in Europe last year. He wouldn't be the first case though of a European guard whose abilities do not really translate to the NBA. Can think of plenty examples and success stories are few and far in between. Come to think of it, who's the last non-athletic guard who moved from Europe to the NBA at a later age and really made an impact. I can think of unsuccessful transitions like Šarūnas Jasikevičius at the time (was a much bigger star than Pangos) or more recently Facundo Campazzo (not really a failure but no big success either). The more successful transitions at a later age have usually been bigger guys (e.g. PJ Tucker or Hasan Whiteside) or good athletes like Anthony Parker.

[ItsDanger]

Word on the street is Calipari is leaning towards playing Shaedon Sharpe in 2nd half for Kentucky. This assumes conditioning and grasping the concepts quick enough. I suspect it may need an injury or something similar to give an excuse.