Canada hand U16 reins to former U18 assistant Beaucamp
TORONTO (FIBA U16 Americas Championship 2017) - Canada Basketball have named Craig Beaucamp as their head coach of the U16 national team ahead of the qualifying tournament for the FIBA U17 Basketball World Cup 2018.
Beaucamp will be in charge of Canada’s bright 2001-born generation at the FIBA U16 Americas Championship 2017, which will be played from 14-18 June in Formosa, Argentina.
"We are excited to have Craig at the helm of our U16 team," said Michael Meeks, Canada Basketball’s youth development program manager, who will serve as Beaucamp’s assistant coach in Argentina. "His commitment to our program and technical expertise will help with the development of our age-group athletes."
"I’m looking forward to working with some of Canada’s best young talent. This is the first opportunity for many of these players to play on the international stage. Any time you have the chance to represent Canada, it’s both an honour and a privilege.”Craig Beaucamp
Beaucamp is not new to Canada Basketball, having served as an assistant coach at the FIBA U18 Americas Championship 2006 and FIBA U19 Basketball World Cup 2007 - with players including Canada internationals Cory Joseph and Robert Sacre. The Burnaby, British Columbia native Beaucamp also was Roy Rana’s assistant coach at last summer’s FIBA U18 Americas Championship.
"I’m looking forward to working with some of Canada’s best young talent," said Beaucamp, who was also assistant coach as the 2011 Pan-American Games in Mexico. "This is the first opportunity for many of these players to play on the international stage. Any time you have the chance to represent Canada, it’s both an honour and a privilege."
Beaucamp will be in charge of some high-level players as Canada - ranked third in the world in the Nike FIBA Youth World Rankings - had three players appearing at the Jordan Brand Classic Global Showcase in Addison Patterson, Cashius McNeilly and Joshua Hemmings. Patterson was named co-MVP of the game with 25 points, 8 rebounds and 3 assists while McNeilly had 15 points and 5 rebounds and Hemmings picked up 13 points and 6 rebounds.
Congrats to Addison Patterson on taking home MVP in the Global Showcase @Penny0f5n6 #NEXTvsNEXT pic.twitter.com/FUnuW2sjFM
— Overtime (@overtime) April 14, 2017
