Olympic Qualifying Tournament - CANADA

[Levenspiel]

tournament will be held in Victoria between June 23-28, 2020.

A	Canada	21st at the 2019 WC	21st
A	Greece	11th at the 2019 WC	7th
A	China	Wild Card	43rd
B	Turkey	20th at the 2019 WC	15th
B	Czech Republic	6th at the 2019 WC	10th
B	Uruguay	Wild Card	43rd

The first two teams of each group qualifies, and play each other to reach the final. The winner of the final goes to the Olympics.

[mojo13]

Jamal Murray continues to say he will be playing.

https://www.fiba.basketball/oqt/canada/2020/news/murray-is-all-in-for-canada-going-to-the-olympics-would-be-a-dream-come-true

I really hope this holds true. SGA and Murray starting in the back court will cause fits for everyone we face.


Canadian media continuing to do a good job pressing on Canadians when they come to town to play the Raptors. Last night as the Mavs were in town Dwight Powell was asked and he responded that he "for sure" wanted to play.
See his response here:

https://twitter.com/Sportsnet/status/1208849940082036740?s=20

Chris Boucher had a great game last night and with Gasol out for a while he will get a chance to show his capabilities. Great to see some of the young guys continue to show that they can be very important pieces and that the depth for Canada will be a key advantage. Boucher could be a very important front court piece if TT and Olynyk do not play. Although rail thin and gets pushed around in the paint, he is extremely mobile, very energetic, a great rim protector and can hit an outside shot when needed. He was fantastic in Nurse's 2-2-1 full court press last night.

Will be interesting when the Grizzlies come to Toronto and the media gets a chance to pressure Brandon Clarke. They way he is playing he could already be a top 3 big for Canada.

[mojo13]

If anyone wants advanced info on tickets you can sign up here to get on the email list.

Tix go on sale in January sometime.

http://basketball.ca/en/news-article/canada-in-group-a-for-fiba-olympic-qualifying-tournament-this-ju

[madmax]

Jamal Murray continues to say he will be playing.

https://www.fiba.basketball/oqt/canada/2020/news/murray-is-all-in-for-canada-going-to-the-olympics-would-be-a-dream-come-true

I really hope this holds true. SGA and Murray starting in the back court will cause fits for everyone we face.


Canadian media continuing to do a good job pressing on Canadians when they come to town to play the Raptors. Last night as the Mavs were in town Dwight Powell was asked and he responded that he "for sure" wanted to play.
See his response here:

https://twitter.com/Sportsnet/status/1208849940082036740?s=20

Chris Boucher had a great game last night and with Gasol out for a while he will get a chance to show his capabilities. Great to see some of the young guys continue to show that they can be very important pieces and that the depth for Canada will be a key advantage. Boucher could be a very important front court piece if TT and Olynyk do not play. Although rail thin and gets pushed around in the paint, he is extremely mobile, very energetic, a great rim protector and can hit an outside shot when needed. He was fantastic in Nurse's 2-2-1 full court press last night.

Will be interesting when the Grizzlies come to Toronto and the media gets a chance to pressure Brandon Clarke. They way he is playing he could already be a top 3 big for Canada.

Brandon Clarke should already be in the starting 5 of Canada if he decides to participate - the kid is that good already. Very athletic , bouncy and unpretentious player with not an ounce of arrogance in him. You guys are blessed to have so many talented kids in all positions recently, the only issue is their commitment level and your overall basketball culture, which seems to be lacking compared to established european nations

[Katastroika]

Maybe is someone willing to answer me if in Hockey in Canada absences are normal as this national team is the proud of Canadian sports. I don't know anything about hockey (rules, positions, players). Would be interesting to know.

[usagre]

Maybe is someone willing to answer me if in Hockey in Canada absences are normal as this national team is the proud of Canadian sports. I don't know anything about hockey (rules, positions, players). Would be interesting to know.

Hockey in Canada is like football is in Brazil or basketball in Lithuania. And those comparisons actually might not even do it service. There’s just no comp. Kids learn to skate about the same time they learn to walk. Other than injury there are rarely if ever any major absences when it comes to representing team Canada. The Olympic teams comprised of professionals and the Canada cup tournaments teams of the past were always dream teams with the best of the best.

[mojo13]

Brandon Clarke should already be in the starting 5 of Canada if he decides to participate - the kid is that good already. Very athletic , bouncy and unpretentious player with not an ounce of arrogance in him. You guys are blessed to have so many talented kids in all positions recently, the only issue is their commitment level and your overall basketball culture, which seems to be lacking compared to established european nations

What do you think about the fact that he probably has not played a minute of FIBA in his life?

Most of the Canadians played FIBA at some point growing up at the youth levels if they have not yet with the senior team. They even played fiba rules in high school in Canada as well - before they move off to the USA.

Clarke grew up in Phoenix and to my knowledge has zero FIBA experience.

He seems like a very smart player - but how much of an adjustment is that?

[madmax]

What do you think about the fact that he probably has not played a minute of FIBA in his life?

Most of the Canadians played FIBA at some point growing up at the youth levels if they have not yet with the senior team. They even played fiba rules in high school in Canada as well - before they move off to the USA.

Clarke grew up in Phoenix and to my knowledge has zero FIBA experience.

He seems like a very smart player - but how much of an adjustment is that?

I'm pretty sure his unselfish play and efficient shooting will translate to any rule set, but I do get your concerns here. Most of your young most talented kids have little no none FIBA experience and that counts for a lot when real games against seasoned FIBA pros take place...the only way to fix it is start building the NT culture and maybe try to make these kids commit to the programme long-term if possible

[mojo13]

Shai Gilgeous Alexander has been great this season and just put up a 20-10-10 triple double. One of only five players in history to do that with assists. At only 21, I’m ready to call him Canada’s best player. Publicly said his is playing in the Qualifier too.

[mojo13]

Shai Gilgeous Alexander has been great this season and just put up a 20-10-10 triple double. One of only five players in history to do that with assists. At only 21, I’m ready to call him Canada’s best player. Publicly said his is playing in the Qualifier too.

Andrew Wiggins non committal to joining Team Canada.

No surprise here - but interesting to see some optimism. I agree with the conclusion that he is not needed for Canada but could certainly help.

https://www.sportsnet.ca/basketball/nba/andrew-wiggins-can-canadas-difference-maker-decides-play/

[mojo13]

Terrible news last night with Dwight Powell rupturing his Achilles. A real shame as he was having a good season as Luka's primary roll man. I was looking forward to see Dwight with SGA and Murray.


Getting a little thin up front for Canada. Thompson seems very unlikely as a UFA, Olynyk looks quite uncertain (player option but it seems many think he will opt out) and now Dwight Powell is out for sure.


Khem Birch seems committed along with Chris Boucher (who has turned into a solid rotation player in the NBA). Trey Lyles publicly claimed he wants to play. Brandon Clarke is an unknown, but travels to Toronto in March where the media will surely press him. It may be time to look closer at Mfiondu Kabengele (Clippers) who was G League player of the week last week while down on assignment - but he really has been unable to break into the Clipper rotation. And maybe even Kyle Alexander who received a two-way contract with he Heat a couple weeks back.

Still - Birch, Boucher and one of Lyles/Clarke/Kabengele would be adequate if we had SGA/Murray/Brooks/Joseph/Wiggins show up.

Andrew Wiggins came to town (Toronto) this week and seemed very non-committal when asked by the media. So he looks like a "maybe" at best. And I am still very uncertain with Dillon Brooks - who is a UFA but proclaimed he will play regardless.

[soulis79]

Terrible news last night with Dwight Powell rupturing his Achilles. A real shame as he was having a good season as Luka's primary roll man. I was looking forward to see Dwight with SGA and Murray.


Getting a little thin up front for Canada. Thompson seems very unlikely as a UFA, Olynyk looks quite uncertain (player option but it seems many think he will opt out) and now Dwight Powell is out for sure.


Khem Birch seems committed along with Chris Boucher (who has turned into a solid rotation player in the NBA). Trey Lyles publicly claimed he wants to play. Brandon Clarke is an unknown, but travels to Toronto in March where the media will surely press him. It may be time to look closer at Mfiondu Kabengele (Clippers) who was G League player of the week last week while down on assignment - but he really has been unable to break into the Clipper rotation. And maybe even Kyle Alexander who received a two-way contract with he Heat a couple weeks back.

Still - Birch, Boucher and one of Lyles/Clarke/Kabengele would be adequate if we had SGA/Murray/Brooks/Joseph/Wiggins show up.

Andrew Wiggins came to town (Toronto) this week and seemed very non-committal when asked by the media. So he looks like a "maybe" at best. And I am still very uncertain with Dillon Brooks - who is a UFA but proclaimed he will play regardless.

It's a pity for the player. Let's hope that he will come back stronger. I think coach Nurse will count on Wiltjer's services much more than you expect. He needs a face-up big man. In Olynyk's absence this argue becomes even stronger. I also believe that he will count on three maybe four European Canadians. On the other hand a starting trio with Murray, Alexander and Wiggins looks good. Especially on offensive end. Until May there is plenty of time and some might change.

[Katastroika]

Is Bramos still allegiable to play for Greece? He has a very good season.

[mojo13]

Now we have Dillon Brooks quickly morphing into one of the best young Canadian players. Over the last 10 games:
21.0 PPG
3.9 RPG
2.1 APG
46.3 FG%
47.1 3P%

The Grizzlies are 16-1 when Dillon Brooks scores 20+ points. 7-23 when he doesn’t.

He has gone on record saying he is playing for Canada "no matter what". However I don't believe it as he is a RFA and in line for a huge payday. A few weeks ago people were talking $10-12MM per year but now he is looking more like a guy like Buddy Heild who got 4yrs/$90mm ( a clear overpay). Brooks might be the better player as he is actually a above average defender. It will be interesting is the Grizzlies extend him (can do it anytime up to June 30). Personally that the only way how I think he plays in Victoria.


Oh - and if anyone wants a ticket packed they go on sale Friday. Single game on sale at a unknonw later date.

http://vic2020.basketball.ca/

[mojo13]

Now we have Dillon Brooks quickly morphing into one of the best young Canadian players. Over the last 10 games:
21.0 PPG
3.9 RPG
2.1 APG
46.3 FG%
47.1 3P%

The Grizzlies are 16-1 when Dillon Brooks scores 20+ points. 7-23 when he doesn’t.

He has gone on record saying he is playing for Canada "no matter what". However I don't believe it as he is a RFA and in line for a huge payday. A few weeks ago people were talking $10-12MM per year but now he is looking more like a guy like Buddy Heild who got 4yrs/$90mm ( a clear overpay). Brooks might be the better player as he is actually a above average defender. It will be interesting is the Grizzlies extend him (can do it anytime up to June 30). Personally that the only way how I think he plays in Victoria.


Oh - and if anyone wants a ticket packed they go on sale Friday. Single game on sale at a unknonw later date.
http://vic2020.basketball.ca/

So Dillon Brooks just got extended(3 yrs, 35MM) which is fantastic news for Team Canada as it removes the main hurdle for him playing this summer.

Now if only Tristan Thompson can get extended as well - I have less hope for that one, as rumor is his agent Rich Paul wants him out into free agency. We will see if anything happens today (trading deadline). Kelly Olynyk has a player option for 20/21 so he is an unknown as well.


And a question for the Turkish posters - how confident are you in Furkan Korkmaz playing? I noticed the other day that his contract is non-guaranteed for 20/21 and the deadline to guarantee is July 10th. Any concern that holds him out from playing?

His salary is pretty low considering his improvement this season, so $1.6MM seems a good price for the Sixers and I'd expect them to guarantee it at some point. Likely need to see the shake of todays trading deadline to see Korkmaz's new role. Especially with Burke and Robinson III being brought in.

It seems Ersan is in a similar position - non-guaranteed for 20/21 and the deadline is June 27. I suppose both could be at risk of not playing - maybe Ersan more so due to his age.