BIELLA (2016 FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournaments) - When Canada eventually settle on their final roster for the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament (OQT) in Manila, and they will have to soon with the event tipping off 5 July, no opponent had better look past them.

On the evidence of their European tour before the OQT in the Philippines, it's going to take a strong performance to see off Jay Triano's team. The style of play for Canada has not only been tough, physical and bruising, but also skillful.

Even if some of the country's NBA players have elected not to play this year, Canada are going to be very good.

On Wednesday night, Canada flexed their muscle and beat Puerto Rico in Biella, Italy, 97-91. The result improved Canada's record on their tour of Europe to 4-1.

Melvin Ejim, a big part of Umana Reyer Venezia's success this season in Italy's top flight, had a monster effort with 22 points and 13 rebounds for the Canadians. Ejim also drilled 3 of his 4 shots from long range.

A 1.98m small forward, Ejim had a terrific career in American college basketball at Iowa State but went undrafted. He played for Canada last summer and did very well, especially in the team's first game against Mexico.

Strong performances for Ejim with the national team this summer, especially if Canada end up making the Olympics, would certainly raise some eyebrows in the NBA.

Canada out-rebounded Puerto Rico, 33-27, and also shot the ball extremely well from behind the arc. In addition to Ejim's fine shooting night, Brady Heslip was 4 of 8 from 3-point range, Thomas Scrubb 3 of 6 and Anthony Bennett 2 of 3.

The Canadians, meanwhile, will reportedly get a boost from their newly-crowned NBA champion Tristan Thompson at the OQT.

Both Cleveland.com and the Brampton Guardian have said that Thompson, who was prevented from joining the squad while helping the Cleveland Cavaliers capture their first NBA crown, will be in the national team jersey when they compete against Turkey and Senegal in Group A of the OQT and potentially France, New Zealand and the Philippines.

Thompson averaged 7.8ppg and 9rpg in the regular season for Cleveland. He had double digits in rebounds in four of Cleveland's games in the NBA Finals against Golden State and had a 15-point, 16-rebound effort in Game 6 that the Cavs won at home to force a deciding Game 7.

Canada' first two games will be against Turkey on 5 July and Senegal on 6 July.

FIBA