MANAGUA (Nicaragua) – Canada’s run at the FIBA AmeriCup 2025 has been powered by a versatile new weapon: 21-year-old forward Kyshawn George. The Washington Wizards rookie committed to the program ahead of the tournament in Managua and quickly emerged as one of the stars, helping lead Canada to a 4-0 record and a spot in the semi-finals. George, who was born and raised in Switzerland before moving to France for high school and later starring at the University of Miami, had previously put on the Swiss jersey at the U16 level in 2019. However, his Canadian father is also a former basketball player, so he expressed his desire back in March to play for the team. George then switched and realized a dream. “My dad always played for Canada, so it’s kind of my dream as well,” he said in an interview with FIBA Americas. “I think ultimately, it's about me playing against the best players— with the best players. And I get the chance to learn and be at the highest competition possible.” Although the learning curve can be steep. He’s adapting quickly to the FIBA game and its rigors, picking up lessons along the way. “Just the physicality it takes,” he pointed out. “I’m 21 years old, playing against grown men, so the physicality is a bit different. Also, the value of the possessions. The game is shorter, there are [fewer] possessions, so every shot has to be a good shot. Every possession has to be a good possession.” The No. 24 overall pick of the 2024 NBA Draft has thrived in Nate Mitchell’s starting lineup and is doing a little bit of everything to contribute to winning. George is averaging 15.5 points while shooting 56.4 percent from the field and 52.4 percent from beyond the arc. He’s also filling out the stat sheet with 4.3 rebounds, 4.3 assists, 1.5 steals, and 0.8 blocks in just 24.5 minutes per game. George has already been named TCL Player of the Game three times, against Venezuela, Puerto Rico and Colombia.
He’s become the perfect complement to the team’s guards (Trae Bell-Haynes, Marcus Carr) and their interior stalwarts (Mfioundu Kabengele, Charles Bediako, and fellow NBA player Leonard Miller) while solidifying Canada’s status as tournament favorites. He’s also improving his game in real time. “I'm just working on some personal stuff,” George said. “Being able to handle the ball under pressure, deal with physicality better, and just being able to polish my game overall.”
Canada owns a pair of silver and four bronze medals, but has never won the AmeriCup Gold. With George’s all-around play, that drought might soon end.
FIBA