Team Canada Basketball Thread V2.0

[mojo13]

Is Dwight Powell the best Canadian C right now or would Kelly Olynyk be the starter (or at PF)?

Dwight has started the last 4 games in Dallas and offensively is playing amazing.

PG SGA - CoJo - Pangos
SG Murray - Stauskas - Heslip
SF Wiggins - RJ - Brooks
PF Olynyk - Lyles
C Powell - Thompson - Boucher

Call him what you want position wise but Olynyk is our best front court player by far especially for FIBA and is guaranteed to start. His shooting and passing is just too valuable. It think he pairs very well with both Powell or Thompson.
I prefer Powell with how he is playing - especially if he hitting threes as it opens up the floor even more. Powell is an elite rim runner, and I’d love to see him in the PnR with Murray and Olynyk. But Thompson may get the starting nod if he plays though.

SF has been the weird spot for Canada as of late. Brooks is better than RJ by a landslide in my opinion. I think people tend to over rate high profile kids who haven’t played a minute of pro ball in their lives - but I think we’d still want RJ there regardless. I’m not convinced RJ will play as a NBA rookie and Brooks could still hurt by then. And wake me up when we hear some sort of peep that Wiggins wants to play. So don’t be surprised if we run with three guards - SGA or Stauskas are pretty big anyways (if they show). Or else don’t be surprised to see Tommy Scrubb is in the mix (who was great in the qualifiers and had an fantastic year in Italy). Ejim has been seeing some time at SF recently too.
I also think Khem Birch is by far the best defensive big we have and I’d take him in a second over Chris Boucher. I saw at stat the other day that opposing players are shooting 43 % in the paint versus Birch which is just fantastic defense. He seems quite underrated to me, and although his scoring is limited he really impacts the game setting screens, protecting the rim/paint, hustling and provides fantastic PnR defense with near elite mobility for a big. The Magic have been on a role since he became the true backup center.
I highly doubt SGA would start over CoJo considering the history here - CoJo is the defacto Captain Canada and the primary veteran leader for Canada. I love SGA but he is not truely playing PG for the Clips. But I guess he wouldn’t for Canada either if Murray, CoJo, Pangos and/or Scrubb are there - they are all more combo guards than anything. But then again i’d bet anyone here a 6pack that there is no bloody way that all the guys above will be available to play - so many of these choices will never need to be made. I think we are going to take what we can get with NBA players.

And as said here before, it should be clear to everyone by now that a few Euro pros will be on this WC team. I am near certain at least two or three (maybe as many as 5 or 6). Pangos, Ejim, Wiltjer, Phil Scrubb, Tommy Scrubb and Heslip being the most likely. We shouldn’t be upset about this either. Hardened Euro vets, steeped in FIBA ball can be much more valuable than untested, inexperienced, end of the bench NBA players or NCAA studs.

[Gday_eh]

I really don't think Lyles will be in the mix (given his lack of interest in the past) , I would be looking at Birch or Ejim instead. I wouldn't be surprised if Brandon Clark gets a look at PF, he is so strong both sides of the ball.

[mojo13]

I really don't think Lyles will be in the mix (given his lack of interest in the past) , I would be looking at Birch or Ejim instead. I wouldn't be surprised if Brandon Clark gets a look at PF, he is so strong both sides of the ball.

Just drafted NBA rookies rarely (and I mean very rarely) play for their national team. Too many commitments to their new club to get ready for the season (thus RJ may very likely not play - but if anyone might, it would be him) So not very likely Clarke is playing. Plus has never touched Team Canada or knows anything about the system. Frankly I don’t think Team Canada even knew about him until this year.
Rana basically said Boucher was cut this past summer because he wasn’t familiar enough with the coaching, system and plays. People need to look closely at past participation when guessing who may play this summer. So yes, you are probably right about Lyles.

[aminiaturebuddha]

Here's my (too early) take on who we might see on the team for the World Cup.

The NBA guys
Olynyk
Powell
Thompson
Birch
Murray
SGA
Joseph

I think it may be tough for Brooks, coming off of injury, to get back to where the team will want him in time for the tournament, but I'm hoping I'm wrong on this because as mojo has pointed out, SF could be a weak position for us.

For the bigs rotation, I would love to see Olynyk and Powell together (and they might close games that way), but I would guess they'd stagger Thompson and Birch with those two to avoid playing the two latter players together (and the offensive disaster that would entail), and to have one defence-first frontcourt defender on the court most of the time.

The prospect
RJ Barrett

Even though incoming rookies rarely play, I think there's a good chance we'll see Barrett suit up for a couple of reasons. NBA summer leagues will be long over at that point. He's always shown a big commitment to the program, and his father is the GM, after all. But also, if Grunwald et al are really interested in finding new sponsorships, the World Cup might be a great chance to showcase the program and its high profile members. Barrett would almost certainly play a large role in that.

The euro guys
Ejim
The Scrubb brothers

I think all (especially Ejim) have earned a good look based upon their commitment and play, their international experience, and the fact that all three should be able to be slotted in smoothly to almost any lineup.

The shooters
One of: Wiljter, Pangos, Heslip, or Stauskas (if he can still be considered a shooter)

I would bet that at least one of these guys will be on the final roster.

If any of the NBA bigs that I mentioned above can't make it, I think they'll probably give Joel Anthony one more shot, given his familiarity with the program, and the fact that he seemed much less like a corpse during the last couple of qualification windows.

I'm guessing the team will end up looking very much like that by the time the end of summer rolls around. And if it does, I think it's a team that could really do some damage. I think Murray will be the leading scorer (and may end up a tournament all-star), followed by Olynyk.

[Hair Canada]

Great thoughts, Buddha. Makes a lot of sense. I agree with everything, but I do hope that Brooks can be there as well. Wiggins? Only if he's really committed and willing to come in a more minor role (doubt it).

My one question mark from the names you mention above would be SGA. There's something about second-year players where they and the team want them to be in the gym all summer working on their skills to make a second-year jump. So I'm afraid that the Clippers might put some pressure there and SGA himself has already said something to that effect if I remember it right (something like "I would like to play in the summer, but not sure I'd be able to").

Also, if one of the bigs can't make it, I would really like to see Boucher get a chance. I think he's very suitable for international play.

[Hair Canada]

On another matter, an interesting in-depth analysis of Iggy and his roots in the Athletic. His dad seems like quite the character (in a good way). But the most interesting quote for me was that Iggy sees himself as Lithuanian first and would like to play for their national team in the 2020 Olympics if he can (I think there are too many obstacles, so I can't really see it happening). I've heard some rumblings about this before, but I think that's the first time that he's officially declaring it.

https://theathletic.com/851545/2019/03/07/where-did-ignas-brazdeikis-come-from/?source=dailyemail

[TrueNorth31]

Here's Grange's story on Barrett.

https://www.sportsnet.ca/basketball/nba/fate-canadian-basketballs-potential-rowan-barretts-hands/

As well Barrett did an interview with Tim and Sid ( unfortunately Tim who's quite knowledgeable about hoops is in Halifax doing the U Sports tournament).

Read on Twitter

Sure seems like change is coming.

[TrueNorth31]

On another matter, an interesting in-depth analysis of Iggy and his roots in the Athletic. His dad seems like quite the character (in a good way). But the most interesting quote for me was that Iggy sees himself as Lithuanian first and would like to play for their national team in the 2020 Olympics if he can (I think there are too many obstacles, so I can't really see it happening). I've heard some rumblings about this before, but I think that's the first time that he's officially declaring it.

https://theathletic.com/851545/2019/03/07/where-did-ignas-brazdeikis-come-from/?source=dailyemail

Thanks - great story. It's a little sad I think , after primarily growing up in Canada and playing for the U17 national team that he doesn't consider himself Canadian. The two countries in the world in which basketball is the undisputed # 1 sport in the country is Lithuania and the Philippines - they love their hoops and their national program is a reflection of that. I wish more Canadians had a passion for our program.

[mojo13]

Here's Grange's story on Barrett.

https://www.sportsnet.ca/basketball/nba/fate-canadian-basketballs-potential-rowan-barretts-hands/

As well Barrett did an interview with Tim and Sid ( unfortunately Tim who's quite knowledgeable about hoops is in Halifax doing the U Sports tournament).

Read on Twitter

Sure seems like change is coming.

This is the most important quote I got out of that:

“[But] it’s been great, all the text messages I’ve been receiving — ‘I’m there, I’m ready, let’s do it, let me know when we gotta go.’ There’s a passion among our players to get this done.

“Players have said to me, ‘I’ll come off the bench if there are going to be ego problems, to help us win.’ They understand the moment and the opportunity.”

[TrueNorth31]

Here's Grange's story on Barrett.

https://www.sportsnet.ca/basketball/nba/fate-canadian-basketballs-potential-rowan-barretts-hands/

As well Barrett did an interview with Tim and Sid ( unfortunately Tim who's quite knowledgeable about hoops is in Halifax doing the U Sports tournament).

Read on Twitter

Sure seems like change is coming.

This is the most important quote I got out of that:

“[But] it’s been great, all the text messages I’ve been receiving — ‘I’m there, I’m ready, let’s do it, let me know when we gotta go.’ There’s a passion among our players to get this done.

“Players have said to me, ‘I’ll come off the bench if there are going to be ego problems, to help us win.’ They understand the moment and the opportunity.”

I was happy to hear that quote to, but for me the biggest take was when asked about what's the biggest change for him now in his current job description - he mentioned he now has total control over who coaches. Why mention it unless you plan to make a change?

[bozothepope]

On another matter, an interesting in-depth analysis of Iggy and his roots in the Athletic. His dad seems like quite the character (in a good way). But the most interesting quote for me was that Iggy sees himself as Lithuanian first and would like to play for their national team in the 2020 Olympics if he can (I think there are too many obstacles, so I can't really see it happening). I've heard some rumblings about this before, but I think that's the first time that he's officially declaring it.

https://theathletic.com/851545/2019/03/07/where-did-ignas-brazdeikis-come-from/?source=dailyemail

Thanks - great story. It's a little sad I think , after primarily growing up in Canada and playing for the U17 national team that he doesn't consider himself Canadian. The two countries in the world in which basketball is the undisputed # 1 sport in the country is Lithuania and the Philippines - they love their hoops and their national program is a reflection of that. I wish more Canadians had a passion for our program.

If anyone has the full quote from the Athletic regarding his national team feelings, I'd love to see it.

Here's another article I found that also addresses it: https://www.talkbasket.net/35139-ignas-brazdeikis-it-was-always-my-personal-goal-to-play-for-lithuanian-national-team

What's the likelihood of Lithuania giving him dual citizenship?

[mojo13]

On another matter, an interesting in-depth analysis of Iggy and his roots in the Athletic. His dad seems like quite the character (in a good way). But the most interesting quote for me was that Iggy sees himself as Lithuanian first and would like to play for their national team in the 2020 Olympics if he can (I think there are too many obstacles, so I can't really see it happening). I've heard some rumblings about this before, but I think that's the first time that he's officially declaring it.

https://theathletic.com/851545/2019/03/07/where-did-ignas-brazdeikis-come-from/?source=dailyemail

Thanks - great story. It's a little sad I think , after primarily growing up in Canada and playing for the U17 national team that he doesn't consider himself Canadian. The two countries in the world in which basketball is the undisputed # 1 sport in the country is Lithuania and the Philippines - they love their hoops and their national program is a reflection of that. I wish more Canadians had a passion for our program.

If anyone has the full quote from the Athletic regarding his national team feelings, I'd love to see it.

Here's another article I found that also addresses it: https://www.talkbasket.net/35139-ignas-brazdeikis-it-was-always-my-personal-goal-to-play-for-lithuanian-national-team

What's the likelihood of Lithuania giving him dual citizenship?

My understanding is Lithuania does not give dual citizenship. Iggy would need to renounce his Canadian citizenship which would be a big step and I think would be unlikely if he was playing in the NBA. If he becomes a Euro based pro, maybe he would?
Also as far as I know he'd be considered a naturalized player for Lithuania since he didn't get a Lithuanian passport before age 16. Not the biggest deal as Lithuania is one of the few countries that doesn't normally use naturalized players, but it would limited them if they ever wanted to. And since he played for Canada at a FIBA event after age 17, he is tied to Canada and would need to be officially released. There are also limits on switching countries with FIBA, needing their review and approval - it is supposed to help international basketball competitiveness (usually helping weaker teams get better) which this can be argued wouldn't and they might not approve a switch.

So allot would need to happen - but it is doable. The big question is would he ever be good enough to play for either countries "A" team?

[Hair Canada]

Here's the full quote from the Athletic article:

So where is Ignas Brazdeikis from?

For the record, he considers himself, first and foremost, Lithuanian. He speaks the language. He visited recently, in 2016, alongside his parents, Emma and his younger brother, Augustas. Their entire extended family, including grandparents, are all still there. Those relatives crowd around computers, watching Ignas’ games streamed over the internet. Basketball is the most popular sport in Lithuania and it’s no small matter that Sigis’ and Diana’s boy is a big deal. More and more, Ignas is understanding that responsibility and, in turn, he is eyeing the 2020 Olympics not as a member of Team Canada, but as a member of Team Lithuania.

“It happens to be that I’ve lived in Canada and the U.S. for this amount of time, but, I don’t know, maybe one day I’ll live in Lithuania again,” he explains. “I definitely consider myself Lithuanian, first, for sure.”

[mojo13]

By the way - I know we were enamored with bigs like Iggy and Simi at the start of the year, but the more I watch Mfiondu Kabengele the more I realize he is Canada's best young big prospect after Clarke. Kabengele has been playing better and better as the year goes on but is still inexplicably under rated, perhaps because he is still strangely coming off the bench. He looks like a clear fist round prospect and possible lottery pick despite being on hardly any draft boards. He looks really strong and athletic but moves really well. He is finishing well, rebounding well - getting block/steals at good rates rates, shooting well - hitting his FTs. Even hitting threes at a near 40% rate during conference play. His timing and wingspan is elite he looks extremely mobile for his size. Defends out out he three point line, runs the court really well, switches well. He looks like the type that will thrive more in the NBA with its transitional game style. He is clearly in my "Top 5" now with Barrett, NAW, Clarke and Dort. I may even consider him a better prospect than NAW and Dort. Like Clarke - Basketball Canada better be working hard to get him into the fold.

[Hair Canada]

By the way - I know we were enamored with bigs like Iggy and Simi at the start of the year, but the more I watch Mfiondu Kabengele the more I realize he is Canada's best young big prospect after Clarke. Kabengele has been playing better and better as the year goes on but is still inexplicably under rated, perhaps because he is still strangely coming off the bench. He looks like a clear fist round prospect and possible lottery pick despite being on hardly any draft boards. He looks really strong and athletic but moves really well. He is finishing well, rebounding well - getting block/steals at good rates rates, shooting well - hitting his FTs. Even hitting threes at a near 40% rate during conference play. His timing and wingspan is elite he looks extremely mobile for his size. Defends out out he three point line, runs the court really well, switches well. He looks like the type that will thrive more in the NBA with its transitional game style. He is clearly in my "Top 5" now with Barrett, NAW, Clarke and Dort. I may even consider him a better prospect than NAW and Dort. Like Clarke - Basketball Canada better be working hard to get him into the fold.

Totally agree. For me, most important of all of these is how much better he looks in keeping up with the pick and roll. That's probably the one most important thing for NBA bigs these days -- those who can't do it at least at a decent rate don't survive long in the league. I'll add that he's also looking more and more aggressive with every passing game -- looking for his offense and not being shy about it. He's really come into his own and also learning how to stay longer on the court without getting into foul trouble. I think all he needs now is a strong ACC/NCAA tournament for people to "discover" him. But I'll also be happy if he eventually stays another year in Florida, becoming the undisputed focal point of their offense and putting up big numbers with many minutes.

And yes, team Canada is hopefully already working on it.

[aminiaturebuddha]

By the way - I know we were enamored with bigs like Iggy and Simi at the start of the year, but the more I watch Mfiondu Kabengele the more I realize he is Canada's best young big prospect after Clarke. Kabengele has been playing better and better as the year goes on but is still inexplicably under rated, perhaps because he is still strangely coming off the bench. He looks like a clear fist round prospect and possible lottery pick despite being on hardly any draft boards. He looks really strong and athletic but moves really well. He is finishing well, rebounding well - getting block/steals at good rates rates, shooting well - hitting his FTs. Even hitting threes at a near 40% rate during conference play. His timing and wingspan is elite he looks extremely mobile for his size. Defends out out he three point line, runs the court really well, switches well. He looks like the type that will thrive more in the NBA with its transitional game style. He is clearly in my "Top 5" now with Barrett, NAW, Clarke and Dort. I may even consider him a better prospect than NAW and Dort. Like Clarke - Basketball Canada better be working hard to get him into the fold.

Totally agree. For me, most important of all of these is how much better he looks in keeping up with the pick and roll. That's probably the one most important thing for NBA bigs these days -- those who can't do it at least at a decent rate don't survive long in the league. I'll add that he's also looking more and more aggressive with every passing game -- looking for his offense and not being shy about it. He's really come into his own and also learning how to stay longer on the court without getting into foul trouble. I think all he needs now is a strong ACC/NCAA tournament for people to "discover" him. But I'll also be happy if he eventually stays another year in Florida, becoming the undisputed focal point of their offense and putting up big numbers with many minutes.

And yes, team Canada is hopefully already working on it.

Also agree. I've been high on him since last year, but he's taking it to a new level each game it seems. One move that he seems to be gaining more and more confidence in is a turn around jumper from the post that is, dare I say it, almost Hakeem-esque in its fluidity (please note: I'm not comparing anything else about his game to Hakeem). That is definitely an NBA-caliber go-to move if he can become consistent with it.

Apparently he's a late developer, physically speaking as well as in his b-ball skills, as he grew significantly since the middle of high school, which could explain why he hasn't been on Canada Basketball's radar up until now. However, in a few interviews I've read, he seems to be genuinely proud to be Canadian and grateful for what the country did for his family (with the help of his uncle, Dikembe Mutombo), so hopefully it won't be tough in the future to convince him to suit up for the national program. He and Clarke could be a great foundation for our bigs going forward as the Olynyk, Thompson, Powell group get older.

As for staying or leaving, I think he'll be fine either way. One thing about the way Florida State plays is that they don't really have a "focal point" to their offence, so I'm not sure that going back (although it'll help him continue to develop his skills) will increase his usage to a significant degree. I just hope he has another good NCAA tournament, and Florida St. definitely has the talent to make it as far as the Sweet 16 or Elite 8, which would bring him greater attention from scouts.

[Psubs]

Great thoughts, Buddha. Makes a lot of sense. I agree with everything, but I do hope that Brooks can be there as well. Wiggins? Only if he's really committed and willing to come in a more minor role (doubt it).

My one question mark from the names you mention above would be SGA. There's something about second-year players where they and the team want them to be in the gym all summer working on their skills to make a second-year jump. So I'm afraid that the Clippers might put some pressure there and SGA himself has already said something to that effect if I remember it right (something like "I would like to play in the summer, but not sure I'd be able to").

Also, if one of the bigs can't make it, I would really like to see Boucher get a chance. I think he's very suitable for international play.

Ya, he can't body guys for rebounds but if he's allowed to grabs boards off the rim, might be to his advantage.

[frumble]

Here's my (too early) take on who we might see on the team for the World Cup.

The NBA guys
Olynyk
Powell
Thompson
Birch
Murray
SGA
Joseph

I think it may be tough for Brooks, coming off of injury, to get back to where the team will want him in time for the tournament, but I'm hoping I'm wrong on this because as mojo has pointed out, SF could be a weak position for us.

For the bigs rotation, I would love to see Olynyk and Powell together (and they might close games that way), but I would guess they'd stagger Thompson and Birch with those two to avoid playing the two latter players together (and the offensive disaster that would entail), and to have one defence-first frontcourt defender on the court most of the time.

The prospect
RJ Barrett

Even though incoming rookies rarely play, I think there's a good chance we'll see Barrett suit up for a couple of reasons. NBA summer leagues will be long over at that point. He's always shown a big commitment to the program, and his father is the GM, after all. But also, if Grunwald et al are really interested in finding new sponsorships, the World Cup might be a great chance to showcase the program and its high profile members. Barrett would almost certainly play a large role in that.

The euro guys
Ejim
The Scrubb brothers

I think all (especially Ejim) have earned a good look based upon their commitment and play, their international experience, and the fact that all three should be able to be slotted in smoothly to almost any lineup.

The shooters
One of: Wiljter, Pangos, Heslip, or Stauskas (if he can still be considered a shooter)

I would bet that at least one of these guys will be on the final roster.

If any of the NBA bigs that I mentioned above can't make it, I think they'll probably give Joel Anthony one more shot, given his familiarity with the program, and the fact that he seemed much less like a corpse during the last couple of qualification windows.

I'm guessing the team will end up looking very much like that by the time the end of summer rolls around. And if it does, I think it's a team that could really do some damage. I think Murray will be the leading scorer (and may end up a tournament all-star), followed by Olynyk.

I think you've pretty much nailed it.

Re the NBA guys, I would be pleasantly surprised if we have SGA and Murray. I think just one of them is more realistic.

Which would mean an additional guard/wing spot for a non-NBA guy.
I expect the guards/wings to be both Scrubbs, Heslip, Pangos, Joseph, Barrett and one of SGA/Murray.

Up front, I think we are looking at KO, Powell, TT, Birch, and Ejim.

Perhaps Wiltjer, Boucher, and Keane would be next up if some of the 12 listed are unavailable.

[frumble]

BC has given us the greatest Canadian basketball player of all time and his heir (hair-wise), Mr. Klynyk. This year, another BC native is on the rise -- no other than BC (Brandon Clarke). But overall, it seems like the fountain has dried up and it's hard to see other elite prospects from the province among the youngsters.

In steps Jermaine Haley, who is the most talented non-Clarke BC player in the NCAA. He came to West Virginia this year as a Junior, moving from Juco, and things started off slowly. his minutes have been up and down, and until a week ago he only scored in (low) double digits 3 times. WV itself has been having one of the more disappointing years in recent memory and is going to miss the tournament.

But look at what Haley has done over the last 4 games:
Career-high 13 points vs. Baylor, adding career highs in rebounds (7) and assists (5)
Career-high 18 points vs. TCU, adding career highs in rebounds (8) and assists (6)
Career-high 23 points vs. Oklahoma, adding 6 rebounds and 5 assists
Career-high 28 points in a big win over Iowa State (without the injured Shayok), adding 7 rebounds, 3 assists, and career-high 3 blocks

I guess this means that in WV's last game of the regular season on Saturday he's going to score 33 points...

During this stretch, he's also made 5 3-pointers, after making only 4 of these previously in all of the previous games.

Hopefully, this is a sign for how his senior year is going to look like. He's certainly a talented guy (6'7 with good passing and athleticism, who can play both the 2 and the 3) to keep an eye on for next year.

After what has seemed like endless bouncing around (has it been five different schools over the past five seasons?), and a slow start to this season, nice to see Haley putting up some good numbers and maybe living up to the hype from a few years ago.

Speaking of BC guys, UBC, featuring Cohee, Clair, and Shephard (perhaps among the best players to come out of BC the last few seasons), are in action against Dal in the first round of the CIAUs tonight.

[agkagk]

Is Dwight Powell the best Canadian C right now or would Kelly Olynyk be the starter (or at PF)?

Dwight has started the last 4 games in Dallas and offensively is playing amazing.

PG SGA - CoJo - Pangos
SG Murray - Stauskas - Heslip
SF Wiggins - RJ - Brooks
PF Olynyk - Lyles
C Powell - Thompson - Boucher

Been following the nba for almost 20 years now.

It’s utterly remarkable how far Canadian basketball has come. On paper this team is easily top five talent wise.

And for international ball it’s very well rounded.

Olynyk/ Thompson at the five is a nightmare for every team accept the USA.

Cojo is the starter and his game is built for this type of competition. But longterm so is sga’s!

Even without lazy bum wiggins we are in such good shape.

So exciting and the best part this is really the tip of the iceberg. With the sheer volume of canucks that will be drafted the next few years....4 years from now.....