CAN/NGR - Another Joseph makes it; Ike out

BOSTON (FIBA Americas Championship/FIBA Basketball World Cup) - San Antonio Spurs point guard Cory Joseph has already cemented his place as a big part of Canada's future.

Now his cousin, Kris Joseph, looks a sure bet to make an impact with the team as they try to become one of the top sides in the FIBA Americas and challenge for a spot at the FIBA Basketball World Cup.

A versatile forward who played American college basketball at Syracuse, Kris Joseph has earned a spot on the roster of the Boston Celtics.

The 23-year-old has raised eyebrows of the Celtics brass with his tenacity on the boards, and his ability to handle the ball.

Doc Rivers, the Celtics coach, used 2.01m Joseph at point guard in one pre-season game and he hardly put a foot wrong.

"I work hard every day to be ready," Joseph said.

"My role will be to play a lot of defense, try to grab all the boards and if there are opportunities to score, I'll take those opportunities.

Joseph played for Canada at the 2006 FIBA Americas U18 Championship for Men.

He has an older brother, Devoe, who is also part of the Canada set-up.

Devoe Joseph had a starring role for Oregon last year in American college basketball and is now with Khimik in Ukraine's Superleague and the FIBA EuroChallenge.

All three took part in a national team training camp this summer with new coach Jay Triano and general manager, Steve Nash.

Diogu fails to stick

Nigeria's best player at the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament and the Olympics, Ike Diogu, has not made the Phoenix Suns' 15-man roster.

Diogu has been released.

The forward, who has spent several seasons in the NBA before playing overseas, averaged 16.6 points and 10.8 rebounds at the OQT while at the London Games, he averaged 14.8 points and nine rebounds.

FIBA