Canada Basketball and the men’s national team schedule revealed the summer main roster ahead of the third window of the FIBA Basketball World Cup Qualifying.
Fourteen of the country’s best players from the NBA, NCAA and international leagues have committed to representing Canada between now and the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Each player has agreed a three-year commitment to the senior men’s national team. This group of players is complementary to the core winter roster, which previously played for Canada during the first two windows of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 Qualifiers in November and February.
To further develop the consistency and cohesion of the system, the rosters for all upcoming FIBA senior men’s competitions will be comprised of top players from the summer and winter groups to ultimately give the program the best chance of success. qualify for the next World Cup and the Olympic Games. If a player is not available to play, he is expected to attend training camp.
"The true value of chemistry, camaraderie and continuity cannot be overlooked when building any team."said Nick Nurse, head coach of the senior men’s national team. "By bringing together committed core groups of players and staff to represent Canada for years to come, we strongly believe you will position this program for sustained success, both now and in the future.".
"Additionally, I would like to acknowledge my assistant coaches, Nate Bjorkgren and Nathaniel Mitchell, for the vital role they both played during the first two windows of the qualifiers."Nurse said. "The consistency that we’ve been talking about extends beyond the players and encompasses all aspects of the program, including our coaching and support staff as well.".
Canada Basketball, in association with the Canadian Elite Basketball League, also announced that Hamilton will host a day-long FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 qualifying match for Canada against the Dominican Republic. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, this will be Canada’s first game on home soil in more than two years since February 2020 when the FIBA AmeriCup 2022 Qualifiers were held in Oshawa, Ontario.
