Team Canada Basketball Thread V2.0

[aminiaturebuddha]

A loss here and in Brazil in a couple of days was kind of to be expected, but it doesn't make it any less frustrating. I'm not sure why Pierre has been so horrible for Canada with the exception of one game. He's absolutely a net negative if this is the way he's going to play.

It just really sucks to be playing our C-team against another country's A-team in important qualification games. I hate this system.

Venezuela actually played without 2 of their best players...well without 3 of their best players overall, but one of them quit the team. Still missing 2 players they would normally have.

Canada lost the game not because they didn't have enough players. They lost because they don't have any point guards, and Venezuela does. Venezuela has actual floor generals, and Canada has two guards that their coaches can't seem to ever grasp are not point guards. That would have also included XRM, if he played.

Really though, Canada kind of had some of its own advantages as well. Like it was clear Venezuela had no clue how horrible Wiltjer is on defense. They never really even tried to go at him on offense. If they knew him, they would have been attacking him on every possession, until he was benched.

I really can't see any excuses for Canada. They just don't have competent coaches.

You're kind of undercutting your own argument here so I'm not quite sure what it is you're trying to say. I said it sucks that we have to play our C-team against another country's A-team (and missing two players doesn't make it any less of an A-team, if you get to more than half the roster, then yes). You then said the problem isn't that Canada didn't have enough players, just that we didn't have enough point guards. Point guards are players, aren't they? If point guards are the problem, you don't think it would have made a difference having Cory Joseph, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jamal Murray, and Kevin Pangos on the team?

Your input to this forum is valuable, but sometimes I think you just like to argue so you can dump on players you don't like, without wondering if you're actually making sense.

[Hair Canada]

rough night. still cant quite believe CANADA can't win a game vs. Hugo Chavez.......

nevertheless, a nice blurb here to distract from the misery:

http://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/25414079/big-ten-hoops-gauntlet-starts-friday

1. Ignas Brazdeikis is America's MVP

The Lithuanian-Canadian sensation could lead Michigan to the national title that eluded the program a year ago. Somehow, John Beilein lost Mo Wagner, a first round pick by the Los Angeles Lakers who averaged 21.2 PPG and 10.3 RPG last year, and improved. OK, it's a little early and the sample size is a bit small to suggest the Wolverines with Brazdeikis, the 6-foot-7 combo forward who scored 24 points in Michigan's 84-67 win over North Carolina on Thursday, is definitively better than last year's dominant group. But consider this from hooplens.com: Michigan has made 40 percent of its 3-pointers and 53.4 percent of its shots inside the arc while committing turnovers once every 10 trips up the floor and generating a 1.17 points-per-possession offensive rate with Brazdeikis on the floor. With Brazdeikis on the bench, the Wolverines have made just 20 percent of their 3-pointers and nearly doubled their turnover percentage. Also, the team hovers around a ridiculous 0.70 PPP defensive efficiency with or without Brazdeikis. The Wolverines, right now, are the Cleveland Cavaliers with LeBron James when Brazdeikis is on the floor and the Cleveland Cavaliers post-LeBron James when he's on the bench. If Brazdeikis maintains this production and impact throughout the year, Beilein could cut down the nets in Minneapolis.

HAIR, you were on this guy decades ago;)

True. I loved what I saw from him last year and thought that there's no way it wouldn't translate, although I have to say even I am a bit surprised with how well he looks on both offense and defense and how quickly it happened.

But then again, I also thought that Emmanuel Akot would be great in Arizona and that he is an NBA talent...

I actually think the big winner of the "next big thing" award this year is mojo with his Brandon Clarke obsession, which turned out to be money.

[aminiaturebuddha]

During the Duke-Stetson game today, the commentators took a few minutes to talk about all of the Canadian talent in the NCAA, focussing specifically on 5 freshman - Barrett, Iggy, Dort, Simi, and Lawson. They had some really good things to say about Dort.

Oh, and Barrett just totally dominated today - 26 points, 7 rebounds, 7 assists on 12-14 shooting.

[mojo13]

And right on cue Brandon Clarke has his best game of the season. 27 points 10 rebounds 2 steals and two blocks. He is second in the nation in FG percent and blocks. He’s been a monster.

Am I crazy thinking him a lottery pick in this draft? He has been one of the best players in the NCAA so far. He is much more than a even smaller Khem Birch. He has some real offensive game.

[Young_Buc]

During the Duke-Stetson game today, the commentators took a few minutes to talk about all of the Canadian talent in the NCAA, focussing specifically on 5 freshman - Barrett, Iggy, Dort, Simi, and Lawson. They had some really good things to say about Dort.

Oh, and Barrett just totally dominated today - 26 points, 7 rebounds, 7 assists on 12-14 shooting.

The players coming down the pipeline make the national teams of the future look like powerhouses. Imagine a 2020/2024 lineup of

Thompson/Olynk/Simi
Clarke/Powell
RJ/Iggy
Murray/Dort/Nik
SGA/Cojo

This isn't even counting Wiggins, Lyles (who wouldn't play) or Brooks.

[Hair Canada]

And right on cue Brandon Clarke has his best game of the season. 27 points 10 rebounds 2 steals and two blocks. He is second in the nation in FG percent and blocks. He’s been a monster.

Am I crazy thinking him a lottery pick in this draft? He has been one of the best players in the NCAA so far. He is much more than a even smaller Khem Birch. He has some real offensive game.

Yes, I watched the game and he was fantastic. Love his game. Would be very hard for him to be a lottery I think due to his height and the lack of established outside shooting (though the latter can still change). But he can be a really nice NBA player.

Oh, and by the way, his only statistical weakness this season so far has been his low free throw percentage. Today? 9 of 11 and his stroke from the line looked really good.

[Hair Canada]

During the Duke-Stetson game today, the commentators took a few minutes to talk about all of the Canadian talent in the NCAA, focussing specifically on 5 freshman - Barrett, Iggy, Dort, Simi, and Lawson. They had some really good things to say about Dort.

Oh, and Barrett just totally dominated today - 26 points, 7 rebounds, 7 assists on 12-14 shooting.

Just about all our college NBA prospects who played today had good to great showings:

RJ, on top of the stats you mentioned also had 4 steals. And he did all that in just 17 minutes!

Clarke mojo talked about (27, 10, 2, and 2 with his usual unreal efficiency and this time also knocking down his shots from the line).

AJ Lawson with a career-high yesterday of 25 points, bounced back really nicely from his first career bagel (zero points in the previous game, while the guy he was guarding put up 30). As expected, of all of them, he's the least ready but shows flashes of very good potential.

Iggy with another good game in Michigan's easy win against Purdue. 12 points on relatively few shots (2 of 3 from 3). Michigan with their excellent defense (Iggy so far a really good defender, which was one of the bigger concerns about him) look like one of the best teams in all of college, on par with Kansas, Gonzaga, and Duke.

Simi with a solid performance in Vandi's loss to NC State (15 points). Showed some of his unique skills in treating the ball and good court vision. Was less impressive I thought on defense. Had 3 blocks but wasn't always quick with the help and staying in front of his man. D should eventually be his calling card, so I hope he can improve it later in the season.

NAW was also solid. 14, 4 and 4, shooting 3 of 5 from 3 (only 24 minutes, because it was a blowout). Over the last three games, he hasn't been as good and dominant as he was to begin the season. But even with that, you can notice the change. He doesn't shy away from the ball, continues initiating, and no longer disappears.

Finally, Dort was perhaps the weakest of the bunch, with poor shooting from 3 and from the line today and 8 turnovers. when watching the game, you can see that it's hard for him to function as the leading guard and the fact that Remy Martin is hurt doesn't help his game. Had some issues creating for others. Still, he was able to finish with 18 points and a couple of nice plays. That's the kind of talent he has.

[mojo13]

And just because I have to mention it...Anthony Bennett, finished with a career-high 36 points (12/13 FG, 8/9 3PT) in just 26 minutes of action for the G League Clippers on Friday. We could have used that shooting last night.

[aminiaturebuddha]

Simi with a solid performance in Vandi's loss to NC State (15 points). Showed some of his unique skills in treating the ball and good court vision. Was less impressive I thought on defense. Had 3 blocks but wasn't always quick with the help and staying in front of his man. D should eventually be his calling card, so I hope he can improve it later in the season.

I watched a good chunk of this game, and Simi clearly isn't quite ready for the next level yet, but at times displays extraordinary potential. You're definitely right on his defensive mistakes, which I viewed more as mental errors than problems in ability. I just hope it doesn't become a chronic concern.

At the same time, he's capable of fantastic plays on both the offensive and defensive end. In a way, his play these days seems similar to that of Pascal Siakam - a PF who is able to put the ball on the floor, make athletic plays defensively, and change the game with his hustle and athleticism. One can only hope he develops the same sort of work ethic and demonstrates the same kind of growth as a player.

Also, the loss of Garland will almost certainly hurt Simi this year. There were a number of times in that game where Simi established good post position and Vandy's guards were simply unable to make a decent entry pass, or find other ways to get him the ball. Maybe it'll force him to be more creative developing plays for himself, but I'm sure his efficiency will take a hit.

[Hair Canada]

Oh, and I forgot about Brissett, who also had a decent game yesterday, with 19, 8, and 3 assists. With him, it's always whether he can put the ball in the basket at a decent percentage. Yesterday he was 2/3 from 3 and 5/8 from the field. For the season, he's only 35% from the field and 27% from 3. He needs to have more games like this one and improve his precision around the basket to get back into draft conversations.

[frumble]

Brissett also had a good game yesterday - 19 points and 8 boards. 5/8 from the field (7/9 FTs).

Anyone hearing anything about the injury status of Wigginton or Llewellyn? Last I heard re Wigginton was that he was "hoping" to be back by end of December.

Latest NBAdraft.net mocks have 7 Canadians going in the 2019 and 20201 drafts.

2019
Barrett 2
NAW 19
Brissett 32
Clarke 47

2020
Shi-ttu 16
Brazdeikis 32
Wigginton 37

Not sure if he really thinks Dort will stay a third year, or if he just forgot about him.

In any case, along with Nembhard, Alexander and perhaps Lawson, I think there are at least 10 Canadians who have a legit chance of being drafted in 19 or 20.

[And1Skip]

And just because I have to mention it...Anthony Bennett, finished with a career-high 36 points (12/13 FG, 8/9 3PT) in just 26 minutes of action for the G League Clippers on Friday. We could have used that shooting last night.

Read on Twitter

?s=21

[Young_Buc]

Brissett also had a good game yesterday - 19 points and 8 boards. 5/8 from the field (7/9 FTs).

Anyone hearing anything about the injury status of Wigginton or Llewellyn? Last I heard re Wigginton was that he was "hoping" to be back by end of December.

Latest NBAdraft.net mocks have 7 Canadians going in the 2019 and 20201 drafts.

2019
Barrett 2
NAW 19
Brissett 32
Clarke 47

2020
Shi-ttu 16
Brazdeikis 32
Wigginton 37

Not sure if he really thinks Dort will stay a third year, or if he just forgot about him.

In any case, along with Nembhard, Alexander and perhaps Lawson, I think there are at least 10 Canadians who have a legit chance of being drafted in 19 or 20.

Those rankings must be old... Way I see it

2019:
RJ goes top 3
Iggy and Dort go teens
NAW and Clarke goes high 20s
Brissett goes low 2nd

2020:
Simi goes low lotto
Unsure about Wigginton and Nembhard

[Hair Canada]

Brissett also had a good game yesterday - 19 points and 8 boards. 5/8 from the field (7/9 FTs).

Anyone hearing anything about the injury status of Wigginton or Llewellyn? Last I heard re Wigginton was that he was "hoping" to be back by end of December.

Latest NBAdraft.net mocks have 7 Canadians going in the 2019 and 20201 drafts.

2019
Barrett 2
NAW 19
Brissett 32
Clarke 47

2020
Shi-ttu 16
Brazdeikis 32
Wigginton 37

Not sure if he really thinks Dort will stay a third year, or if he just forgot about him. For one, they are quite unstable, with guys moving up and down at a high rate, often without much happening on the court to justify it. Such inconsistencies are never a good sign. Beyond that, they often have some strange predictions that really deviate with what everyone else is seeing. One example from this one: Naz Reid at #4.

In any case, along with Nembhard, Alexander and perhaps Lawson, I think there are at least 10 Canadians who have a legit chance of being drafted in 19 or 20.

Those rankings must be old... Way I see it

2019:
RJ goes top 3
Iggy and Dort go teens
NAW and Clarke goes high 20s
Brissett goes low 2nd

2020:
Simi goes low lotto
Unsure about Wigginton and Nembhard

Actually, they update fairly regularly. This last one is I believe from December 1st. But despite their popularity, I think that's the mock that I trust the least. They tend to be quite unstable, with guys jumping up and down the ranking at a high rate, often without a clear indication for why that happens. They also tend to deviate quite a bit from other mock drafts. One example from this one is Naz Reid, who they rank #4. Most of the others don't even have him as a lottery pick.

Anyway, to the point, I think yours are fairly good assessments (certainly better than Draftnet for the Canadians). Iggy perhaps a bit too high given that he still needs to show consistency and a borderline lottery for someone with his physical and athletic profile is not at all an obvious thing. Brissett, if he sees that he is projected to go late 2nd round, might choose to stay another year (Justin Jackson did not this year and I think it was a mistake).

Beyond those you mention here, Alexander and Shayok are seniors who will graduate this year. For me, both have so far shown enough to be worth a look as second-round picks, but we'll see.

[GoRaptors]

USA beat Uruguay in a close comeback victory in Group E play today. This victory means that Canada only needs one more win to ensure placement in the World Cup.

[mojo13]

I think a DR loss gets us in too.
One loss by DR means the best they can expect is a 7-5 record and tied with Canada. But we have the tiebreaker.
Anyone disagree?

[GoRaptors]

I think a DR loss gets us in too.
One loss by DR means the best they can expect is a 7-5 record and tied with Canada. But we have the tiebreaker.
Anyone disagree?

I agree that one Dominican loss and Canada is automatically in.

[TrueNorth31]

Yes - one Canadian win or a D.R. loss we are in , barring some bizzare 3 way tie scenario which is unlikely.

D.R.plays in Chile tomorrow which the D.R. should win.

It probably will come down to Canada winning at home against Chile in February.

I doubt we win tomorrow against Brazil, with our NBA guys we only beat the same Brazilian team by 8 at home , on the road and with less talent it'll be difficult.

The goal should be to win, but if not - fight hard and keep the score differential close.

[GoRaptors]

Even if Canada loses all 3 remaining games and finishes 4th in Group F with 7 wins Canada should still advance to the World Cup.
Canada would be in a tiebreaker with the fourth best team in group E (Uruguay or Puerto Rico). Both of those group E teams are currently at 6 and 4 with two games remaining. As they play each other in the next window both teams can not get to 8 wins. at least one of those teams will have at most 7 wins

There will be a tiebreaker between Canada and that 4th place team with point differential in games being the first tiebreaker. Canada is currently plus 176 with three games remaining and Uruguay is minus 70 and Puerto Rico is plus 26. It is highly unlikely that Canada will lose their 3 games by such lopsided scores that the fourth place team from Uruguay or Puerto Rico, assumed to have 7 wins will end up having a better point differential than Canada.

[TrueNorth31]

Go Raptors I was aware of this situation , but didn't really want to say much because it takes so much of the wind out of the sails of the February games in Saint John's. I've heard their on track for a sell out ( hoops capacity 6750 ) for the Chile game.

Still in life nothing is for certain ( for instance I never thought Donald Trump would be president of the U.S.A.) - it would take a rogue federation such as Mexico, upset about being eliminated from the World Cup - and not liking this new format deciding to blow the whole thing up and sending a joke team to the next window which could screw up the points differential.

Even then I doubt they'd do such a thing on their home soil ( they play Uruguay at home) and would fear future FIBA retaliation ( the fine to UVI was $105,00 Canadian for forfeiting a game against Brazil).

The Argies , who have qualified already , may send a B team to P.R. in February ( why pay to fly your best pro's in from the ACB if it doesn't matter- ( I.E. I'm told by a very credible source it cost Canada $ 100,000 to go to Chile in September of 2018 ), even doing that I don't think the point differential needle would move enough, and perhaps even P.R. would rest players anyways for their " Death Match" game against Uruguay a few days later to decide who gets third place in group E.

So yes - Canada is 99.9 % in the 2019 World Cup. Still instead of limping in the back door - I want them to go in the Canadian way - fighting and knocking that damn door down by trying to win.