Road to FIBA AmeriCup 2022: Getting to know Canada

MIAMI (United States) – The AmeriCup has been a thorn on the side of Canadians throughout the years, but they’re currently in excellent position to try to win it for the first time in their history. The North Americans have been the most dominating nation in the 2023 FIBA World Cup Americas Qualifiers, displaying an unstoppable attack (with or without NBA players in their roster), and they will are expected to be favorites no matter what team they field.

FIBA World Ranking, presented by Nike: 18

They have talent spread out through the NBA and the best European leagues, maybe like never before, but that wave hasn’t translated yet to success at the National Team level – which is why they aren’t ranked higher. They’re the fifth best ranked team in the continent.

AmeriCup debut: 1980

They took part in the inaugural edition in Puerto Rico, where a great performance earned them the silver medal.

AmeriCup appearances (including 2022): 19

They participated in every edition of the most prestigious continental tournament. Canada is also part of a select group of four nations (along with Argentina, Brazil and Puerto Rico) to have never missed one.

Most recent appearance: 2017

They finished in the eight spot after a 1-2 record in Group B, falling into a three-way tie with Venezuela and Virgin Islands and failing to advance to the semifinals.

Best showing: 1980, 1999

In both occasions they took home the silver medal. In the first edition, the tournament had a round robin format and in the other one they lost in the final to the United States. They also have four bronze medals for a total of six.

Emblematic players:

Steve Nash

He’s known as one of the best point guards in NBA history. Nash is a Hall of Famer who was named twice as the NBA’s Most Valuable Player (in consecutive seasons, 2004-2005 and 2005-2006) as a member of the Phoenix Suns. He’s also fourth all time in assists (10.335 per game in 18 seasons).

The lead guard played at the 1994 FIBA World Cup at home, where Canada finished among the seven best teams. Six years later, he represented Canada at the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games, leading the tournament in assists (6.9) and averaging 13.7 points. He also won the MVP award at the 1999 and 2003 AmeriCups.

Bill Wennington

He was part of the legendary Chicago Bulls squad, led by Michael Jordan, that won the three-peat between 1996 and 1998. Coming off the bench, he played a role in the historic feat. He played 720 games across 13 NBA seasons.

The Quebec-born center played at the 1982 FIBA World Cup in Colombia, where he averaged 9.2 points. He also competed at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympic Games, where he averaged 7.0 points and 3.2 boards.

Current star:

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

He left behind the wunderkind label to become a reality for the Oklahoma City Thunder this past season. Gilgeous-Alexander has upped his scoring output year after year, rising to 25.4 in 2021-22, along with 5.9 assists and 5.0 rebounds in 56 games.

The point guard showed his offensive capabilities during the 2023 FIBA World Cup Qualifiers. During the July window he scored 32 and 24 points in his only games in the tournament.

Kelly Olynyk is another one of the team’s stars. At the age of 31, the 10-year NBA veteran brings plenty of leadership to the squad. He made his debut at the senior level in 2010 during the FIBA World Cup in Turkey. He’s currently averaging 14.0 points and 8.0 rebounds at the 2023 FIBA World Cup Qualifiers.

How they qualified:

The tied for first place with Dominican Republic in Group C of the qualifiers. They won one and lost the other against the Dominicans, winning the matchup on point differential. They also beat Virgin Islands twice.

Projection:

Canada has all the tools to vie for the crown. Last May they announced that they would have several of their NBA players for their National Team games during the summer. The final roster hasn’t been named yet, but regardless of who shows up, they’ll have plenty of firepower.

They will share Group A with host Brazil, plus Uruguay and Colombia. Canadians and Brazilians are clear favorites to finish in the top 2 spots and advance to the quarter finals.

FIBA