Olynyk: "FIBA Americas Championship taught us how to play in intense environments for OQTs"

BOSTON (2016 Rio Olympics) - Kelly Olynyk is looking forward to representing Canada at one of the three 2016 FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournaments (OQTs), especially since the team is better equipped to play in difficult conditions following their experience at the 2015 FIBA Americas Championship.

The 2.13m big man knows that the OQTs are the last chance to join the country's women's team at the 2016 Rio Olympics.

Playing in the Olympics would be amazing and I want to help Canada try to get a spot for Rio 2016. It's special to represent your country, even more so on that high world stage competition. It's definitely something I want to accomplish. - Olynyk

Canada have not competed at the Olympics since 2000, when Canada Basketball leaders Steve Nash and Rowan Barrett were two of the team's top players.

The Canadians missed out on qualifying directly for Rio 2016 at last summer's FIBA Americas Championship, where they were heavy favourites in the Semi-Finals against Venezuela but were unable to come up with the victory.

"We didn't play at our highest standards in that very important game. We didn't play at our best level, we didn't shoot the ball well, and Venezuela played extremely well," said Olynyk, who had a standout individual performance in the 79-78 loss, finishing with 34 points on 11 of 14 shooting from the field and 9 of 10 free throws to go with 13 rebounds.

It was the third time that the Kamloops native played for Canada's senior team, following the 2010 FIBA Basketball World Cup and 2011 FIBA Americas Championship.

"I really enjoyed playing with the national team last summer. We had a good run but we couldn't win the title. We learned a lot and we improved as a team. That was very important to do so," said the 24-year-old, now in his third NBA season with the Boston Celtics.

We played in an intense environment, which was also a great context to learn more about FIBA basketball. - Olynyk

Olynyk knows he's part of a young, talented and up-and-coming Canadian team. Nine of the 12 players who competed in Mexico were 25 years of age or younger.

Kelly Olynyk (CAN) at the 2015 FIBA Americas Championship

"It's awesome. We have a huge potential but we also have a great coaching staff. With guys like Steve Nash and coach Jay Triano, we have been doing a good job and we have a great future," he pointed out.

Being part of a good group of young talented players is something Olynyk experiences in the NBA just as much as with Canada's national team. Ten of Boston's 15 players are 25 years or younger and the Celtics had a successful run last season reaching the NBA Playoffs.

"We have a lot of potential. We don't have that many veterans but we have talent and most importantly, we play as a team. We fight hard, we play hard, we are proud to be part of this great franchise,” Olynyk said.

Boston are currently 20-19 and outside of the playoffs looking in at the moment.

"(This season has been) a bit of ups and downs. We don't want to be in the situation we are right now, but we have to keep pushing and keep being better each day," Olynyk said.

The former Gonzaga player said the team learned so much from playing last season in the playoffs.

"It's just another level of basketball. It's tough to get in there, it's tough to win there. In those games, you've got to be together and have the best team spirit to do it," he explained. "Playoff games are so intense, it's the best for a basketball player. We want to live this kind of experience again this season."

Olynyk hopes to use his experiences in intense situations and ride them to the 2016 Olympics.

FIBA