Canadian basketball stars inspired by soccer team’s success
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, a two-time NBA MVP with the Oklahoma City Thunder, along with teammates Dillon Brooks and Nickeil Alexander-Walker, expressed inspiration from Canada‘s men’s soccer team. The soccer team advanced to the Round of 16 at the World Cup, a development that resonated with the basketball players as they began their training camp. Gilgeous-Alexander noted the growth of the soccer program and its players, calling it inspiring and a source of national pride.
Brooks, a small forward for the Phoenix Suns, attended two of Canada’s group-stage soccer matches in Toronto and Vancouver. He conveyed the widespread support for the soccer team across the country. Alexander-Walker, a guard with the Atlanta Hawks, also voiced his support for Canada, despite admitting limited knowledge of soccer.
The men’s basketball team is preparing for two FIBA Americas qualifying games. These matches are crucial for their bid to return to the 2027 Basketball World Cup. Canada currently leads Group B with a 4-0 record, with two games remaining in the qualifying stage.
Gilgeous-Alexander committed to playing for Canada
Despite a demanding NBA season that included a lengthy playoff run to the Western Conference final, Gilgeous-Alexander emphasized his commitment to playing for Canada. He stated that representing his country is a childhood dream and an opportunity he will always seize. He averaged 31.1 points, 6.6 assists, 4.3 rebounds, and 1.4 steals per game for the Oklahoma City Thunder in the past season, earning his second consecutive league MVP award.
Brooks, whose Phoenix Suns were eliminated by Gilgeous-Alexander’s Thunder in the first round of the NBA playoffs, also reiterated his dedication to playing for Canada. He will serve as co-captain alongside Gilgeous-Alexander. Alexander-Walker, Gilgeous-Alexander’s cousin, also had a playoff run with his Atlanta Hawks before they lost to the New York Knicks in the first round. He earned the NBA’s Most Improved Player Award and highlighted his commitment to playing for the national team, especially in front of a home crowd.
The Canadian roster for the two qualifying games includes Gilgeous-Alexander, Brooks, and Alexander-Walker, alongside Charles Bediako, Aaron Best, Khem Birch, Marcus Carr, Kyshawn George, Mfiondu Kabengele, Thomas Kennedy, Leonard Miller, Andrew Nembhard, Ryan Nembhard, Kassius Robertson, Jackson Rowe, and Kyle Wiltjer. Head coach Gordie Herbert stressed the importance of developing a team mentality among the elite individuals on the roster.
Hamilton hosts qualifiers and honours Gilgeous-Alexander
Hamilton‘s TD Coliseum will host Canada’s upcoming FIBA Americas qualifiers. The team is scheduled to play Puerto Rico on Friday and Jamaica on July 6. These games are significant for Canada’s qualification efforts, as seeding remains important even with their strong position atop Group B. Other teams like Brazil and Uruguay also hold 4-0 records, while Mexico and Chile are 3-0.
In recognition of his contributions, TD Coliseum announced that a basketball court designed in Gilgeous-Alexander’s honour will debut this week. Gilgeous-Alexander became an investor in TD Coliseum earlier this year, supporting the growth of his hometown as a sports and entertainment destination. Canada Basketball general manager Rowan Barrett encouraged fans to attend the games and fill the stadium to support the national team playing on home soil.
The Canadian men’s basketball team will face Puerto Rico on Friday.
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Source: cp24.com
