Canada vs. Brazil: Titans clash in group F opening
LAVAL (FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 Americas Qualifiers) — Two of the main teams of the Americas will cross each other's paths at the beginning of the second phase of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 Americas Qualifiers.
The Brazil and Canada national teams will face each other for the first time in the World Cup Qualifiers as the South Americans visit their North American rivals in a duel that will take place on Thursday in the Quebecois city of Laval.
Brazil and Canada share the top spot at group F, as well as Venezuela, with a 5-1 mark common to all. While in the first date of the second round the Venezuelans will play against the US Virgin Islands, both Brazilians and Canadians are aiming to take a paramount step toward their World Cup aspirations.
For the Brazilian side, the team led by Croatian coach Aleksandar Petrović is counting on their extensive experience in international matches, since veteran and well-known point guards Leandro Barbosa and Marcelo Huertas and forward Anderson Varejão are available for the team.
“We're starting off this window with quite a complicated game against Canada, the strongest national team in the group and who are also playing at home and with a full team that includes their NBA players.”
Barbosa returns to the Qualifiers after not playing in the third window. At the two February games against Colombia and Chile, the 35-year-old scorer averaged 12.0 points and 3.0 assists. For his part, Varejão (12.5 points and 9.0 rebounds) continues to be the spearhead of the group that will also have in their ranks Leandro Meindl and promising player Yago Mateus. This trio has worn the jersey in all the six qualifying games up to the moment. Mateus (13.2 points and 4.8 assists) was the Most Valuable Player at the Sudamericano Sub-21 that took place last month in Salta.
Ricardo Fischer, Vítor Benite, Lucas Dias and Rafael Mineiro complete the side. Debuting in the Qualifiers are center Augusto Lima and forward Marcos “Didi” Louzada. In Louzada’s case, the 19-year-old prospect averaged 11.2 points and 4.0 rebounds at the Sudamericano Sub-21.
Brazil will not be employing Rafael Hettsheimeir, due to a last-minute injury.
Meanwhile, Canada will be playing with several of their NBA players, such as point guard Cory Joseph (Indiana Pacers) and forward Kelly Olynyk (Miami Heat). Both were fundamental pieces in the Canadians’ command of the third window, with solid victories against the Dominican Republic and the US Virgin Islands to win Group D.
Canada’s shortlist includes Tristan Thompson (Cleveland Cavaliers), who will be debuting in the Qualifiers. Also wearing the Canadian jersey for the first time in these Qualifiers is point guard Kevin Pangos (FC Barcelona). Dillon Brooks (Memphis Grizzlies) is also in the roster and played with the national team in the Summer.
"Obviously it'll be a unique blend of NBA guys, guys who are just starting their career, some U Sports kids, some guys who are just starting their NBA careers. It's nice to see our community continue to build and represent.”
Other renowned names in the Canadian roster include Orlando Magic players Khem Birch and Justin Jackson. Canada’s main young star, R.J. Barrett, who was a sensation in the third window, will not be available due to commitments with Duke University.
After Thursday’s encounter, Brazil will play on Sunday, September 16 at home — in Goiania — where they will be welcoming the Virgin Islands. As for Canada, they will be traveling to Valdivia, Chile, where they will be facing the locals on Monday, September 17.
Canada and Brazil will meet once again at the Qualifiers on December 3 — this time on Brazilian soil.
FIBA
