Team Canada Basketball Thread

[TooBad]

Anyone think Chris Boucher is going to be ready for the Qualifiers this Month? He'll have played over a month of G-league games by then and it looks like he is in game shape judging by his recent Gleague highlight videos (lots of blocks).

[GoRaptors]

Anyone think Chris Boucher is going to be ready for the Qualifiers this Month? He'll have played over a month of G-league games by then and it looks like he is in game shape judging by his recent Gleague highlight videos (lots of blocks).

I think Chris Boucher is not eligible for this qualifier as he is on a two-way contract.

[TooBad]

Anyone think Chris Boucher is going to be ready for the Qualifiers this Month? He'll have played over a month of G-league games by then and it looks like he is in game shape judging by his recent Gleague highlight videos (lots of blocks).

I think Chris Boucher is not eligible for this qualifier as he is on a two-way contract.

that's too bad he would have been a huge boost (rim protector).

[TooBad]

I don't know if anyone else has been watching Denver lately but Murray has not been too impressive. He has been playing way too passive and hardly calls his own number any more.

[Pooh_Jeter]

I don't know if anyone else has been watching Denver lately but Murray has not been too impressive. He has been playing way too passive and hardly calls his own number any more.

His last 2 games have been bad, but I think he has been outstanding since he missed his first game due to injury.

[CharlieTO]

Naz Long signed to another 10 day by Utah. Hopefully he'll get some more minutes and better luck than before.

[mojo13]

Over Orlando's 12 games since Khem Birch became a regular in the rotation, he leads the Magic in offensive rebounds (29), rebounds per 48 minutes (16.3), plus/minus (+31) and is second n defensive rebounds (39), total rebounds (68) and blocks (10).

How long until Birch is more important to the SMNT than TT? You can argue he already is as he can actually protect the rim.

[aminiaturebuddha]

Over Orlando's 12 games since Khem Birch became a regular in the rotation, he leads the Magic in offensive rebounds (29), rebounds per 48 minutes (16.3), plus/minus (+31) and is second n defensive rebounds (39), total rebounds (68) and blocks (10).

How long until Birch is more important to the SMNT than TT? You can argue he already is as he can actually protect the rim.

It kind of depends on what kind of defensive system Triano (or whoever the hell the coach is that week) wants to use when they get the full complement of NBA players. If they have the bigs hedging out on screens and putting pressure on ball-handlers, then TT's overall defensive awareness is probably still more useful. But if they decide to have the bigs play more of a stay at home defensive style, then you may be right that Birch could have already surpassed TT in terms of usefulness to the national team as a defensive big.

Either way, nice to have the option (hopefully, if they both make themselves available) when constructing the roster.

By the way, in addition to Wigginton, a few other Canadian NCAA players had big weekends:
- Kassius Robertson had 22 points to lead Missouri to an overtime win over Miss St.
- Koby McEwen with 23 in an upset of Boise State
- NAW with 12 points and good play in an upset of #2 Virgina
- SGA had 19-3-8 on 9-12 shooting in a loss to Texas A&M
- Oshae Brissett with 15 pts and 10 rbds in a Syracuse win
- Trae Bell-Haynes currently working on another great game in leading Vermont with 20 points with 10 minutes still to play

Assuming only 1 or 2 of these guys leave for the NBA draft, and preferably none, next year should be amazing with all of the incoming 2018 freshman added to the mix, and Justin Jackson and Mariol Shayok back in play.

[Hair Canada]

Over Orlando's 12 games since Khem Birch became a regular in the rotation, he leads the Magic in offensive rebounds (29), rebounds per 48 minutes (16.3), plus/minus (+31) and is second n defensive rebounds (39), total rebounds (68) and blocks (10).

How long until Birch is more important to the SMNT than TT? You can argue he already is as he can actually protect the rim.

Seems a bit hasty. TT has been an important part of a championship team just two years ago and is lately looking better after a weak start for the season. At least offensively he's still clearly superior to Birch. And he has much more experience and proven chemistry with guys like CoJo, plus a history of commitment to the team, which is not less important.

I'm actually wondering though if Powell is going to be part of the team. Has been looking great this year. In February (only 4 games) he's been putting up 15.5, 8, and 2 assists (73% from the field and 82% from the line). Also looking really sharp and alert both offensively and defensively (1.3 steals a game this month). For the season, he's shooting more than 60% from the field, which would give him a spot in the top-5 in the league in field goals percentage if he was playing some more minutes and had enough shots (although, of course, then his percentage might have dropped a bit). With him and Lyles on board, the PF position should be one of our strengths, We can then think who would be best next to them between Olynyk, TT, and maybe Birch. If they all show up, this might be the best frontcourt for a non-US team. Not too bad considering that the backcourt is also looking quite well.

[Mattd97]

Great showdown this afternoon between Lindell Wigginton and Trae Young, where Wigginton led Iowa State to an upset of Oklahoma. Considering Young is considered a top 5-10 lottery pick in the draft this year, Wigginton definitely helped his stock by matching, and at times outplaying Young in the game.

He finished with 26-5-5.

It's awesome that he's from Nova Scotia and not from Ontario/BC/Quebec. Canada needs to start producing more NBA Talent from provinces other than the big 3 provinces. I think Lyles is the only current Canadian NBA player to come out of province not named Ontario/BC/Quebec.

the province of indiana

[aminiaturebuddha]

I'm actually wondering though if Powell is going to be part of the team. Has been looking great this year. In February (only 4 games) he's been putting up 15.5, 8, and 2 assists (73% from the field and 82% from the line). Also looking really sharp and alert both offensively and defensively (1.3 steals a game this month). For the season, he's shooting more than 60% from the field, which would give him a spot in the top-5 in the league in field goals percentage if he was playing some more minutes and had enough shots (although, of course, then his percentage might have dropped a bit). With him and Lyles on board, the PF position should be one of our strengths, We can then think who would be best next to them between Olynyk, TT, and maybe Birch. If they all show up, this might be the best frontcourt for a non-US team. Not too bad considering that the backcourt is also looking quite well.

I think Powell is definitely in the mix. If by some miracle they're all available, then you can take all 5 of Olynyk, Lyles, Thompson, Birch, and Powell. Pretty damn impressive, as you say, and likely top 5 in terms of frontcourts. If one or more of those guys isn't available, then you can start looking at people like Nicholson, Chris Boucher, and Bennett.

I still think our best possible team would be something like:
C - Olynyk
PF - Lyles
SF - Wiggins
SG - Murray
PG - Joseph
C - Thompson
F - Powell
F - Brooks
G - Stauskas
G - Pangos
C - Birch
G - Either Ennis, or a young guy like Barrett or SGA

I do agree with you overall that our best windows might be the 2024 and 2028 Olympics and lead-ups, but that team above could definitely be a medal contender in 2020 if they're all committed.

Now the organization just has to get its act together and start appearing to act more professionally and make it seem like they're taking the qualifying seriously.

[GoRaptors]

I'm actually wondering though if Powell is going to be part of the team. Has been looking great this year. In February (only 4 games) he's been putting up 15.5, 8, and 2 assists (73% from the field and 82% from the line). Also looking really sharp and alert both offensively and defensively (1.3 steals a game this month). For the season, he's shooting more than 60% from the field, which would give him a spot in the top-5 in the league in field goals percentage if he was playing some more minutes and had enough shots (although, of course, then his percentage might have dropped a bit). With him and Lyles on board, the PF position should be one of our strengths, We can then think who would be best next to them between Olynyk, TT, and maybe Birch. If they all show up, this might be the best frontcourt for a non-US team. Not too bad considering that the backcourt is also looking quite well.

I think Powell is definitely in the mix. If by some miracle they're all available, then you can take all 5 of Olynyk, Lyles, Thompson, Birch, and Powell. Pretty damn impressive, as you say, and likely top 5 in terms of frontcourts. If one or more of those guys isn't available, then you can start looking at people like Nicholson, Chris Boucher, and Bennett.

I still think our best possible team would be something like:
C - Olynyk
PF - Lyles
SF - Wiggins
SG - Murray
PG - Joseph
C - Thompson
F - Powell
F - Brooks
G - Stauskas
G - Pangos
C - Birch
G - Either Ennis, or a young guy like Barrett or SGA

I do agree with you overall that our best windows might be the 2024 and 2028 Olympics and lead-ups, but that team above could definitely be a medal contender in 2020 if they're all committed.

Now the organization just has to get its act together and start appearing to act more professionally and make it seem like they're taking the qualifying seriously.

That is a good list. Phil Scrubb could be in consideration for that last guard spot. Melvin Ejim should be seriously considered as well if full participation does not occur.

[Hair Canada]

Two Canadian seniors have been balling at the NCAA lately. Both seem like questionable NBA prospects, but might develop into nice pros and add to the depth chart for the NT over the next few years (for tournaments like the current qualifiers):

Cassius Robertson (6'3 SG) is leading all Canadians in the NCAA in scoring (Wigginton is second) this year, with 16.6. Nice to see that he's managed to keep improving despite moving from a mid-major to a high-major team (Missouri). Over the last 6 games, he's been especially good, averaging more than 21 points, 3 rebounds, and 3 assists per game (mostly in wins). Too bad Michael Porter got hurt, or Missouri might have been able to make a run in March and Cassius might have gotten more attention.

Trae Bell-Haynes (6'2 CG) has also been fantastic lately. Over the last 10, he's averaging 21 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 assists, shooting 56% from the field (fantastic for a guard). And Vermont won all 10 of these games (in fact, they won their last 14), so he's clearly leading a winning team.

[mojo13]

I'm actually wondering though if Powell is going to be part of the team. Has been looking great this year. In February (only 4 games) he's been putting up 15.5, 8, and 2 assists (73% from the field and 82% from the line). Also looking really sharp and alert both offensively and defensively (1.3 steals a game this month). For the season, he's shooting more than 60% from the field, which would give him a spot in the top-5 in the league in field goals percentage if he was playing some more minutes and had enough shots (although, of course, then his percentage might have dropped a bit). With him and Lyles on board, the PF position should be one of our strengths, We can then think who would be best next to them between Olynyk, TT, and maybe Birch. If they all show up, this might be the best frontcourt for a non-US team. Not too bad considering that the backcourt is also looking quite well.

I think Powell is definitely in the mix. If by some miracle they're all available, then you can take all 5 of Olynyk, Lyles, Thompson, Birch, and Powell. Pretty damn impressive, as you say, and likely top 5 in terms of frontcourts. If one or more of those guys isn't available, then you can start looking at people like Nicholson, Chris Boucher, and Bennett.

I still think our best possible team would be something like:
C - Olynyk
PF - Lyles
SF - Wiggins
SG - Murray
PG - Joseph
C - Thompson
F - Powell
F - Brooks
G - Stauskas
G - Pangos
C - Birch
G - Either Ennis, or a young guy like Barrett or SGA

I do agree with you overall that our best windows might be the 2024 and 2028 Olympics and lead-ups, but that team above could definitely be a medal contender in 2020 if they're all committed.

Now the organization just has to get its act together and start appearing to act more professionally and make it seem like they're taking the qualifying seriously.

That is a good list. Phil Scrubb could be in consideration for that last guard spot. Melvin Ejim should be seriously considered as well if full participation does not occur.

Full participation is a pipe dream. It will never happen. I think we should be extremely happy with 75 percent turnout.
Every summer there is going to be FAs, injuries, voluntary MIAs. Especially when we don’t have strong history of participation. I mean what do you think has changed? It is business as usual for Canada except we now have way, way more talent. The depth, especially, from the top European leagues is crucial.
Chemistry, coaching and a coherent system and play strategy is probably even more important - which is are more than lacking. Talent is not the problem right now.

[mojo13]

Over Orlando's 12 games since Khem Birch became a regular in the rotation, he leads the Magic in offensive rebounds (29), rebounds per 48 minutes (16.3), plus/minus (+31) and is second n defensive rebounds (39), total rebounds (68) and blocks (10).

How long until Birch is more important to the SMNT than TT? You can argue he already is as he can actually protect the rim.

Seems a bit hasty. TT has been an important part of a championship team just two years ago and is lately looking better after a weak start for the season. At least offensively he's still clearly superior to Birch. And he has much more experience and proven chemistry with guys like CoJo, plus a history of commitment to the team, which is not less important.

I'm actually wondering though if Powell is going to be part of the team. Has been looking great this year. In February (only 4 games) he's been putting up 15.5, 8, and 2 assists (73% from the field and 82% from the line). Also looking really sharp and alert both offensively and defensively (1.3 steals a game this month). For the season, he's shooting more than 60% from the field, which would give him a spot in the top-5 in the league in field goals percentage if he was playing some more minutes and had enough shots (although, of course, then his percentage might have dropped a bit). With him and Lyles on board, the PF position should be one of our strengths, We can then think who would be best next to them between Olynyk, TT, and maybe Birch. If they all show up, this might be the best frontcourt for a non-US team. Not too bad considering that the backcourt is also looking quite well.

Powell is very active with Team Canada. He has been known to be at SMNT camps even when not playing as a FA or injured.
Powell has been great since being inserted in the Mavs starting line up. He had been playing great in a reserve role before that as well.
But one thing is clear this year, Powell has found himself as a gritty, annoying inside player with little to no range. He scoring 1.34 points per possession as the roll man in the pick and roll. that's the best mark for anyone who's finished possessions as a roll man at least 100 times this season.

He is a C with Mavs and would be a C with Canada. Or if you forget positions he needs to be paired with another big that can play outside.
Two of TT, Powell or Birch on the floor together would be a spacing nightmare (we saw this Coaching debacle by Triano by putting Joel Anthony and TT on the floor together at times). Each would need to be paired up with either Olynyk, Lyles, Nicholson or even Ejim, Pierre or Bennett. Something like KO and TT together or Lyles and Powell.

And don’t you guys forget about Nichoslon who still may be our best pure iso scoring big man. He clearly easily has FIBA 3pt range. It is a shame he doesn’t bother to pass or play much defense. Luis Scola is on the ARG team again for the Feb window, so there is a chance we get Nicholson as both are in the CBA.

Yesterday The Westchester Knicks beat the Delaware 87ers 114-97. Xavier Rathan-Mayes led the way with a career-high 34 points, 5 rebounds and 7 assists on 11-22 from the field and 12-14 from the FT line. I am getting really nervous about a call up for XRM. We don’t have long to go I suppose.
First game is the 22nd. Do we get a roster this week?

[Hair Canada]

ESPN with their first (I think) 2019 mock draft. 5 Canadians projected in the first round:

RJ Barrett (1)
Justin Jackson (13)
Nickeil Alexander-Walker (17)
O'Shae Brissett (20)
Kyle Alexander (29)

Some notes on these 5:

Barrett maintains the top position. He had an interesting weekend: Montverde finished the high school season without any losses for the first time in its history (that's a prep-school that was led by players like Joel Embid, Ben Simmons, and D'Angelo Russell in recent years). This perfect record was almost broken on Saturday, as they were down by 6 with 24 seconds to go in the game, but Barrett scored the last unanswered 7 for a great comeback.

Justin Jackson so high is a bit surprising to me. I think it's mostly a function of what looks right now like a fairly weak 2018 class. In any case, he'll have to earn it next year when returning from injury.

Nice to see Brissett recognized. He wasn't even on their board previously.

Kyle Alexander is the biggest surprise for me. Never even thought of him until now as a true NBA prospect. His stats on his junior year at Tennessee are certainly not spectacular, but he does have 2 blocks a game in about 20 minutes and seems to be very efficient (73% from the field).

Some notable prospects missing from this list:

Simi Xhittu -- perhaps not surprising given his recent torn ACL. Even if he returns well (which is quite likely because of his young age), there's a chance that it's only going to happen halfway into the season. He'll probably take time to get back to full speed and will not show his full abilities in his rookie year at Vanderbilt. So he might not be a one-and-done after all

Lindell Wigginton -- The way he's been playing lately, there's actually a chance that he'll declare this year.

SGA -- Even greater chance that he'll go this year.

Others who I think could find their way into this draft in the 16 months still left before it's here: Akot, Dort, Brezdaikis, Nembhard (a really thin draft in the PG position), and maybe even someone like Llewellyn.

[SharoneWright]

What's the board opinion on Kyle Alexander? I haven't seen him ranked this high before. Late bloomer, obviously... Nice have a kid with his size in the pipeline and making strides.

[IbakasD]

ESPN with their first (I think) 2019 mock draft. 5 Canadians projected in the first round:

RJ Barrett (1)
Justin Jackson (13)
Nickeil Alexander-Walker (17)
O'Shae Brissett (20)
Kyle Alexander (29)

Some notes on these 5:

Barrett maintains the top position. He had an interesting weekend: Montverde finished the high school season without any losses for the first time in its history (that's a prep-school that was led by players like Joel Embid, Ben Simmons, and D'Angelo Russell in recent years). This perfect record was almost broken on Saturday, as they were down by 6 with 24 seconds to go in the game, but Barrett scored the last unanswered 7 for a great comeback.

Justin Jackson so high is a bit surprising to me. I think it's mostly a function of what looks right now like a fairly weak 2018 class. In any case, he'll have to earn it next year when returning from injury.

Nice to see Brissett recognized. He wasn't even on their board previously.

Kyle Alexander is the biggest surprise for me. Never even thought of him until now as a true NBA prospect. His stats on his junior year at Tennessee are certainly not spectacular, but he does have 2 blocks a game in about 20 minutes and seems to be very efficient (73% from the field).

Some notable prospects missing from this list:

Simi Xhittu -- perhaps not surprising given his recent torn ACL. Even if he returns well (which is quite likely because of his young age), there's a chance that it's only going to happen halfway into the season. He'll probably take time to get back to full speed and will not show his full abilities in his rookie year at Vanderbilt. So he might not be a one-and-done after all

Lindell Wigginton -- The way he's been playing lately, there's actually a chance that he'll declare this year.

SGA -- Even greater chance that he'll go this year.

Others who I think could find their way into this draft in the 16 months still left before it's here: Akot, Dort, Brezdaikis, Nembhard (a really thin draft in the PG position), and maybe even someone like Llewellyn.

Where's the love for Andrew Nembhard? I think he's going to make some noise at Florida. He's one of the best PG's in his class.

[Hair Canada]

What's the board opinion on Kyle Alexander? I haven't seen him ranked this high before. Late bloomer, obviously... Nice have a kid with his size in the pipeline and making strides.

Yes, a late bloomer. Last year, at 20, he was scoring only 3 points a game in his Sophomore year.

On the plus side, he's really long (7'5 wingspan; 9'2 standing reach) and a really great shot blocker, with very good timing. From the little I've seen in Tenessee, he's also generally a good defender -- very mobile and active, which makes him the kind of player that NBA teams are looking for these days (can defend the pick-and-roll). On the other hand, he still looks quite thin and his offense is very rudimentary. Or rather, despite an amazing field goal percentage (73%) he hardly gets looks and his usage is very low. Probably also a matter of charisma and mentality and maybe he can still improve on that, perhaps next year as a senior. If he does get to the NBA, he's obviously not going to be a scorer, but might develop into something like Birch or Powell (that is, the Powell that we saw until last month, not the February scoring machine): limited minutes, good defensive energy, and doing only what he knows on the offensive side (mainly offensive rebounds and putbacks, or finishing alley-oops).

Not bad at all to have a couple of players like that for a wide rotation on the NT. As mojo notes, good chance that we only get some of them on a given campaign, so having him join TT, Powell and Birch could be excellent.

[mojo13]

What's the board opinion on Kyle Alexander? I haven't seen him ranked this high before. Late bloomer, obviously... Nice have a kid with his size in the pipeline and making strides.

He seemed very limited to me and I was very surprised to see him listed here. He is a junior - But I get that he only started playing bball in grade 11 or so. I don't think he has much of an offensive game at all but I guess his defensive, rebounding and rim protection is being noticed by NBA scouts. Supposedly he has come along way since arriving at Tennessee. Being measured at 6’11.5” and with a 7’5.5” wingspan opens allot of eyes too. NBA is all about upside potential, not current production....

Seeing some Vols fans reaction to this news - they are quite suprised too.
http://www.volnation.com/forum/tennessee-vols-basketball/289864-kyle-alexander-2019-mock-nba-draft.html