Team Canada Basketball Thread V3.0

[mojo13]

Canada has come a long way in terms of talent, just too bad it seems like we'll never see the team at its full potential.

Just imagine for a second...

Murray/Banton/Primo
SGA/Mathurin/NAW
Barrett/Brooks/Dort
Wiggins/Clarke/Brissett
Boucher/Powell

That team could make the NBA playoffs and probably compete for an NBA title.

That's all we do on this thread...


And Olynyk is Canada most important FIBA player after SGA and Murray. People need to understand that.

[WaltFrazier]

Canada has come a long way in terms of talent, just too bad it seems like we'll never see the team at its full potential.

Just imagine for a second...

Murray/Banton/Primo
SGA/Mathurin/NAW
Barrett/Brooks/Dort
Wiggins/Clarke/Brissett
Boucher/Powell

That team could make the NBA playoffs and probably compete for an NBA title.

How could you watch this summer's games and not include Olynyk here? He's a better FIBA player than NBA

[Kenter16]

The final roster is out:

Blair, Calloo, Bell-Haynes, Babb Harrison, Gray, Bandoo, Young, Kigab, Posthomus, Pandi, Banton, Kennedy.

I've said in the past what I think about Canada deciding to take its cue from the US rather than the rest of the Americas (see Argentina) on this event. Quite disappointing and I think also ill-advised.

On the positive side, this is probably the best 12 out of the 17 originally advertised. There are also a couple of names here that are personal favorites from high school or college, like Banton, Kigab, Bell-Haynes, and Gray. A backcourt of Banton and Bell-Haynes, with Gray and Bandoo as backups, is a good start.

But this is far from the best team we could put for this event, even after deciding not to bother our core summer/winter guys. It's very inexperienced internationally and includes maybe 2 players that I would rank as top-60 Canadians. So more like an F team than a B or C one.

In fact, even if the decision is to use this as exposure for the CEBL, that's not terribly impressive. First, the ten leading scorers in the CEBL (10 games or more) are not even Canadians. Among the Canadians, I would say that the top 10 Canadians in the league this year were probably Robertson, Johnny B., Lawson, Mike, the Scrubb brothers, Best, Agada, Alexander, and Bandoo. Or these, only Bandoo, the youngest nd least experienced, is on this team.

One can think of many ways this team could have been more competitive. First, why exclude the entire core? I'm pretty sure at least some of the players (both NBA guys or the winter core) would be up to the challenge, happy to play big minutes for Canada, compete for a medal, and potentially boost their name. Second, if the core is out, there's still a plethora of international players with lots of FIBA experience who could add some depth and experience to this team. Guys like Hanlan, Johnny B, Morgan, the Enis brothers, Klassen, and McIntosh.

Finally, if the decision is to use this as a developmental opportunity (which in itself is quite questionable given that this is an official FIBA event with ranking points and some national pride), one could think of better options. If Banton can be there, why not other young not-yet-established NBA or fringe NBA guys? Imagine a team that includes (I'm excluding NBA rookies like Mathuring and Nembhard, as this is not realistic): Banton, Primo, Lawson, Wigginton, Kabengele, Shittu, Omoruyi, and Darling, sprinkles with some experienced shooters in Stauskas and Mulder, perhaps also including a few college guys like Edey, Bediako, and the Miller brothers. Now, that's a team I could have gotten excited about...

Oh, well, back to reality. I'll still try to watch the games, but this is a low-quality product that Basketball Canada chose to send to this competition.

The only thing that makes sense in my head is Canada is doing this out of protest. This qualification system is not favorable to the North American countries. Maybe this is them 'sticking' it to to FIBA.

I am not sure to what effect. I don't think it matter to FIBA if Canada puts an A team in the tourney or an F team like we did.... but I cannot come to another conclusion. BC went way down the depth chart. As you said, these guys are not even top CEBL players.

And the only reason Banton is there is because it gives him more time with the Raptors coaching staff.

[TheDunc]

Canada has come a long way in terms of talent, just too bad it seems like we'll never see the team at its full potential.

Just imagine for a second...

Murray/Banton/Primo
SGA/Mathurin/NAW
Barrett/Brooks/Dort
Wiggins/Clarke/Brissett
Boucher/Powell

That team could make the NBA playoffs and probably compete for an NBA title.

How could you watch this summer's games and not include Olynyk here? He's a better FIBA player than NBA

yeah it was just a slip up, i had him in there before playing around with the positions. Im aware that Olynyk has been great for canada since hes been a kid

[mojo13]

The final roster is out:

Blair, Calloo, Bell-Haynes, Babb Harrison, Gray, Bandoo, Young, Kigab, Posthomus, Pandi, Banton, Kennedy.

I've said in the past what I think about Canada deciding to take its cue from the US rather than the rest of the Americas (see Argentina) on this event. Quite disappointing and I think also ill-advised.

On the positive side, this is probably the best 12 out of the 17 originally advertised. There are also a couple of names here that are personal favorites from high school or college, like Banton, Kigab, Bell-Haynes, and Gray. A backcourt of Banton and Bell-Haynes, with Gray and Bandoo as backups, is a good start.

But this is far from the best team we could put for this event, even after deciding not to bother our core summer/winter guys. It's very inexperienced internationally and includes maybe 2 players that I would rank as top-60 Canadians. So more like an F team than a B or C one.

In fact, even if the decision is to use this as exposure for the CEBL, that's not terribly impressive. First, the ten leading scorers in the CEBL (10 games or more) are not even Canadians. Among the Canadians, I would say that the top 10 Canadians in the league this year were probably Robertson, Johnny B., Lawson, Mike, the Scrubb brothers, Best, Agada, Alexander, and Bandoo. Or these, only Bandoo, the youngest nd least experienced, is on this team.

One can think of many ways this team could have been more competitive. First, why exclude the entire core? I'm pretty sure at least some of the players (both NBA guys or the winter core) would be up to the challenge, happy to play big minutes for Canada, compete for a medal, and potentially boost their name. Second, if the core is out, there's still a plethora of international players with lots of FIBA experience who could add some depth and experience to this team. Guys like Hanlan, Johnny B, Morgan, the Enis brothers, Klassen, and McIntosh.

Finally, if the decision is to use this as a developmental opportunity (which in itself is quite questionable given that this is an official FIBA event with ranking points and some national pride), one could think of better options. If Banton can be there, why not other young not-yet-established NBA or fringe NBA guys? Imagine a team that includes (I'm excluding NBA rookies like Mathuring and Nembhard, as this is not realistic): Banton, Primo, Lawson, Wigginton, Kabengele, Shittu, Omoruyi, and Darling, sprinkles with some experienced shooters in Stauskas and Mulder, perhaps also including a few college guys like Edey, Bediako, and the Miller brothers. Now, that's a team I could have gotten excited about...

Oh, well, back to reality. I'll still try to watch the games, but this is a low-quality product that Basketball Canada chose to send to this competition.

The only thing that makes sense in my head is Canada is doing this out of protest. This qualification system is not favorable to the North American countries. Maybe this is them 'sticking' it to to FIBA.

I am not sure to what effect. I don't think it matter to FIBA if Canada puts an A team in the tourney or an F team like we did.... but I cannot come to another conclusion. BC went way down the depth chart. As you said, these guys are not even top CEBL players.

And the only reason Banton is there is because it gives him more time with the Raptors coaching staff.

I'm curious why you think the Qualfircation system is unfair to North American countries. Everyone has the same problems - those counties hurt most seem to be the countries that are very top heavy and rely on a few NBA or EuroLeague players that are unavailable during the in-season (Slovenia is a prime example). Rewarded are those countries with good depth like the USA (and Canada now). Also rewarded are countries that really don't have good high level players and just keep their domestic guys all together building great chemsitry and experience. Belgium and Venezula would be good examples there.

There is no protest here by Canada. What does that acomplish?

What makes most sense is Canada Basketball really just didnt want to ask too much from not only the Summer Core, or the Winter Core for a tournamnet that has such little meaning to Canada Basketball. Many Euro pros are pressured by this time to get to their training camps (they have already started). This crew are mostly uncontracted young guys and are available. Some (most?) of them are legit prospects for Team Canada's Winter Core team (Kigab, Kennedy, Bandoo, Blair in particular) and this is a legit chance to give them experience in a good tournament and see what they can do.

The ranking points loss will suck - but I think we are in good enough position to weather it. Of the teams ranked above Canada -
Russia and Poland are already out of WC Qualfircation. Czech is in big trouble, one of Serbia/Turkey seem unlikley to Qualify. Brazil might be in trouble - maybe even Argentina. Point is that Canada currently at #18 ranked will get up a few more places for WC seeding, very likely getting into Pot 4 (doubtful but maybe even Pot 3 if we can get by Venezuela with a couple wins in the WCQs). The "Pool of Death" from WC 2019 was because we were in Pot 6.

[Boselecta]

Why are Banton and Boucher never in these games? If anything I feel the raptors would even encourage them to be out there.

[mojo13]

Why are Banton and Boucher never in these games? If anything I feel the raptors would even encourage them to be out there.

Banton is playing on this AmeriCup team.


Boucher is a bigger question. My guess is that, as an older player, he had to make sure he secures his bag as a priority. He has been a short term contract guy and has been a FA frequently over the last few years (FAs typically do not play). But it is disappointing not to see him as part of the "Core 14".

[Boselecta]

Why are Banton and Boucher never in these games? If anything I feel the raptors would even encourage them to be out there.

Banton is playing on this AmeriCup team.


Boucher is a bigger question. My guess is that, as an older player, he had to make sure he secures his bag as a priority. He has been a short term contract guy and has been a FA frequently over the last few years (FAs typically do not play). But it is disappointing not to see him as part of the "Core 14".

That’s disappointing I feel Boucher would have an Olynyk type of impact if he did ever play. Good to see Banton in the mix though.

[Beerpapi]

I’ve seen it all now. Brazil has a guy playing their anthem on an accordion.
Oh wait that was just the intro

[NirvanaFC]

Anyone able to get the stream to work on Courtside 1891?

[Kenter16]

The final roster is out:

Blair, Calloo, Bell-Haynes, Babb Harrison, Gray, Bandoo, Young, Kigab, Posthomus, Pandi, Banton, Kennedy.

I've said in the past what I think about Canada deciding to take its cue from the US rather than the rest of the Americas (see Argentina) on this event. Quite disappointing and I think also ill-advised.

On the positive side, this is probably the best 12 out of the 17 originally advertised. There are also a couple of names here that are personal favorites from high school or college, like Banton, Kigab, Bell-Haynes, and Gray. A backcourt of Banton and Bell-Haynes, with Gray and Bandoo as backups, is a good start.

But this is far from the best team we could put for this event, even after deciding not to bother our core summer/winter guys. It's very inexperienced internationally and includes maybe 2 players that I would rank as top-60 Canadians. So more like an F team than a B or C one.

In fact, even if the decision is to use this as exposure for the CEBL, that's not terribly impressive. First, the ten leading scorers in the CEBL (10 games or more) are not even Canadians. Among the Canadians, I would say that the top 10 Canadians in the league this year were probably Robertson, Johnny B., Lawson, Mike, the Scrubb brothers, Best, Agada, Alexander, and Bandoo. Or these, only Bandoo, the youngest nd least experienced, is on this team.

One can think of many ways this team could have been more competitive. First, why exclude the entire core? I'm pretty sure at least some of the players (both NBA guys or the winter core) would be up to the challenge, happy to play big minutes for Canada, compete for a medal, and potentially boost their name. Second, if the core is out, there's still a plethora of international players with lots of FIBA experience who could add some depth and experience to this team. Guys like Hanlan, Johnny B, Morgan, the Enis brothers, Klassen, and McIntosh.

Finally, if the decision is to use this as a developmental opportunity (which in itself is quite questionable given that this is an official FIBA event with ranking points and some national pride), one could think of better options. If Banton can be there, why not other young not-yet-established NBA or fringe NBA guys? Imagine a team that includes (I'm excluding NBA rookies like Mathuring and Nembhard, as this is not realistic): Banton, Primo, Lawson, Wigginton, Kabengele, Shittu, Omoruyi, and Darling, sprinkles with some experienced shooters in Stauskas and Mulder, perhaps also including a few college guys like Edey, Bediako, and the Miller brothers. Now, that's a team I could have gotten excited about...

Oh, well, back to reality. I'll still try to watch the games, but this is a low-quality product that Basketball Canada chose to send to this competition.

The only thing that makes sense in my head is Canada is doing this out of protest. This qualification system is not favorable to the North American countries. Maybe this is them 'sticking' it to to FIBA.

I am not sure to what effect. I don't think it matter to FIBA if Canada puts an A team in the tourney or an F team like we did.... but I cannot come to another conclusion. BC went way down the depth chart. As you said, these guys are not even top CEBL players.

And the only reason Banton is there is because it gives him more time with the Raptors coaching staff.

I'm curious why you think the Qualfircation system is unfair to North American countries. Everyone has the same problems - those counties hurt most seem to be the countries that are very top heavy and rely on a few NBA or EuroLeague players that are unavailable during the in-season (Slovenia is a prime example). Rewarded are those countries with good depth like the USA (and Canada now). Also rewarded are countries that really don't have good high level players and just keep their domestic guys all together building great chemsitry and experience. Belgium and Venezula would be good examples there.

There is no protest here by Canada. What does that acomplish?

What makes most sense is Canada Basketball really just didnt want to ask too much from not only the Summer Core, or the Winter Core for a tournamnet that has such little meaning to Canada Basketball. Many Euro pros are pressured by this time to get to their training camps (they have already started). This crew are mostly uncontracted young guys and are available. Some (most?) of them are legit prospects for Team Canada's Winter Core team (Kigab, Kennedy, Bandoo, Blair in particular) and this is a legit chance to give them experience in a good tournament and see what they can do.

The ranking points loss will suck - but I think we are in good enough position to weather it. Of the teams ranked above Canada -
Russia and Poland are already out of WC Qualfircation. Czech is in big trouble, one of Serbia/Turkey seem unlikley to Qualify. Brazil might be in trouble - maybe even Argentina. Point is that Canada currently at #18 ranked will get up a few more places for WC seeding, very likely getting into Pot 4 (doubtful but maybe even Pot 3 if we can get by Venezuela with a couple wins in the WCQs). The "Pool of Death" from WC 2019 was because we were in Pot 6.

I am not suggesting Canada is protesting, I just don't understand the logic of the choices for this team. If Canada was interested in putting the best team on the court, you'd think they would start from the best players and work down. I can't get it in my head that 50,60, maybe even 70 players said no. If asked do the Scrubbs, Kajami-Keane, Klassen, Andrew Nicholson, Connor Morgan, Anthony Bennet, Chery, Robertson, Ejim... Maybe a few, but ALL of them said no? Don't believe it. These guys always show up. Then there is the GloblJam team. Did all of those guys say no? There are 4 or 5 players there that would be an improvement.

And as Hair mentioned, this is not a development team.

So, I am lead to believe Canada picked this team with reason and left out quality players purposefully. Why? I have no idea. So, I floated the idea of a protest. It's not a protest. I get that. I just don't understand.

[DreamTeam09]

The only thing that makes sense in my head is Canada is doing this out of protest. This qualification system is not favorable to the North American countries. Maybe this is them 'sticking' it to to FIBA.

I am not sure to what effect. I don't think it matter to FIBA if Canada puts an A team in the tourney or an F team like we did.... but I cannot come to another conclusion. BC went way down the depth chart. As you said, these guys are not even top CEBL players.

And the only reason Banton is there is because it gives him more time with the Raptors coaching staff.

I'm curious why you think the Qualfircation system is unfair to North American countries. Everyone has the same problems - those counties hurt most seem to be the countries that are very top heavy and rely on a few NBA or EuroLeague players that are unavailable during the in-season (Slovenia is a prime example). Rewarded are those countries with good depth like the USA (and Canada now). Also rewarded are countries that really don't have good high level players and just keep their domestic guys all together building great chemsitry and experience. Belgium and Venezula would be good examples there.

There is no protest here by Canada. What does that acomplish?

What makes most sense is Canada Basketball really just didnt want to ask too much from not only the Summer Core, or the Winter Core for a tournamnet that has such little meaning to Canada Basketball. Many Euro pros are pressured by this time to get to their training camps (they have already started). This crew are mostly uncontracted young guys and are available. Some (most?) of them are legit prospects for Team Canada's Winter Core team (Kigab, Kennedy, Bandoo, Blair in particular) and this is a legit chance to give them experience in a good tournament and see what they can do.

The ranking points loss will suck - but I think we are in good enough position to weather it. Of the teams ranked above Canada -
Russia and Poland are already out of WC Qualfircation. Czech is in big trouble, one of Serbia/Turkey seem unlikley to Qualify. Brazil might be in trouble - maybe even Argentina. Point is that Canada currently at #18 ranked will get up a few more places for WC seeding, very likely getting into Pot 4 (doubtful but maybe even Pot 3 if we can get by Venezuela with a couple wins in the WCQs). The "Pool of Death" from WC 2019 was because we were in Pot 6.

I am not suggesting Canada is protesting, I just don't understand the logic of the choices for this team. If Canada was interested in putting the best team on the court, you'd think they would start from the best players and work down. I can't get it in my head that 50,60, maybe even 70 players said no. If asked do the Scrubbs, Kajami-Keane, Klassen, Andrew Nicholson, Connor Morgan, Anthony Bennet, Chery, Robertson, Ejim... Maybe a few, but ALL of them said no? Don't believe it. These guys always show up. Then there is the GloblJam team. Did all of those guys say no? There are 4 or 5 players there that would be an improvement.

And as Hair mentioned, this is not a development team.

So, I am lead to believe Canada picked this team with reason and left out quality players purposefully. Why? I have no idea. So, I floated the idea of a protest. It's not a protest. I get that. I just don't understand.

If they're not taking it seriously then you probably shouldn't be taking it seriously as well. I also believe this doesn't have a significant impact on our world Cup qualifying

[BilboBanginz]

Bought the Courtside 1891 annual pass to watch the game last night but it wouldn't work for me. No live feed just a game score. Eurobasket games work however (but only on browser). Anyone else having the same issues?

[mojo13]

Bought the Courtside 1891 annual pass to watch the game last night but it wouldn't work for me. No live feed just a game score. Eurobasket games work however (but only on browser). Anyone else having the same issues?

So this is a postponed event from last year. Back then DAZN had the broadcast rights.
Courtside is in a tight partnership with fiba - perhaps partially owned. Even Canada basketball was announcing the morning before that the games were on Courtside.I was told it was on DAZN too.

Rumor has it that DAZN got pissy and forced a last second blackout on Courtside in Canada. Screwed over a tonne of people I bet.

[SharoneWright]

Maybe we could get the Saudi’s to fund the AmericaCup tournament. Big dollars would garner a better turnout! lol.

I hope the SMNT is keeping their eye on Kabengele. He should probably be part of the mix down low. What with Thompson, Nicholson, even Olynyk, we have aged-off a bit down there and could use some new depth/replenishing.

[GrindCityHustle]

Maybe we could get the Saudi’s to fund the AmericaCup tournament. Big dollars would garner a better turnout! lol.

I hope the SMNT is keeping their eye on Kabengele. He should probably be part of the mix down low. We need a bit of depth there.

Sharone Wright. Expansion raptors fan I see lol

[SharoneWright]

Maybe we could get the Saudi’s to fund the AmericaCup tournament. Big dollars would garner a better turnout! lol.

I hope the SMNT is keeping their eye on Kabengele. He should probably be part of the mix down low. We need a bit of depth there.

Sharone Wright. Expansion raptors fan I see lol

Was there cheering for Damon when he got drafted…. while 80% of the Skydome crowd was disappointed that it wasn’t Ed O’Bannon!! lol

Edit: I miss Todd McCullough

[NirvanaFC]

Banton balling

[lobosloboslobos]

Banton balling

just saw your post and went searching for a link only to find one in time to see the final score: 62-61 Canada over Colombia. then they showed some higlights and yes indeed Night Bus was killing it, especially in the 4th. wicked passes, deep 3s and finishing in traffic. Canada is now 2-1, leading the group and guaranteed to make it to the next round. nice.

[Samurai_Raps]

so whats this gonna do for Canada ranking now that we have made the QF's unexpectedly and won 2 out of 3 in the group stage