Getting to know the 2023 FIBA Women's AmeriCup teams: Canada

MIAMI (United States) – Canada will be seeking redemption after not medaling for the first time in 17 years in the most recent edition of FIBA Women's AmeriCup. The North Americans are currently one of the best teams in the world and will try to validate that label during the continental event. After a great showing at the 2022 World Cup in Australia, where they finished in 4th place with Spanish head coach Víctor Lapena at the helm, they're ready to keep the good times rolling.

FIBA Women's World Ranking, presented by Nike: 5

They're currently one of the best five teams on the planet thanks to their constant presence at World Cups and the Olympics. Individually, they have shown significant growth as more and more Canadian players shone in European Leagues and the WNBA. They're the second-best team in the Americas, behind the United States.

Women's AmeriCup appearances (including 2023): 17

They're the only national team to have participated in every edition of the biggest tournament in the Americas. Since their debut in Sao Paulo (Brazil) in 1989, they have established themselves as one of the most successful squads.

Most recent appearance: 2021

The team had a great start, finishing the Group Stage undefeated (4-0) and advancing without major issues through the semifinals, before falling to the home team (Puerto Rico). They also couldn’t recover against Brazil in the bronze medal game, finishing 5-2 and with a disappointing 4th place finish after seven consecutive Top 3 finishes.

Best showing: 1995, 2015, 2017

They have lifted the trophy in 3 occasions throughout their history. Canada is the team with the fourth most titles, behind Brazil, United States and Cuba. They also have the second most medals (12), only behind Brazil (13). Their accomplishments include a pair of silver medals (2013, 2019) and seven bronze medals (1989, 1993, 1999, 2003, 2005, 2009, 2011).

Players to watch:

Their training camp included veterans Kayla Alexander (7.1 points and 9.6 rebounds), Shay Colley (8.0 points and 2.6 assists) and Nirra Fields (10.6 points and 3.6 rebounds), who did a solid job in the World Cup. They'll also likely feature Syla Swords (17) and Cassandre Prosper (18), two very talented young players.

How they qualified:

Just like the United States, as representatives of North America, they earned an automatic berth. The other eight spots are distributed between Central American and Caribbean countries (4) and South American squads (4), and those spots are earned through Centrobasket and the South American Championship.

Tournament projection:

After finishing fourth in the most recent World Cup, they're expected to vie for the title even if they're missing some of their best players. They still have plenty of young talent and a balanced roster. Canada will share Group B with Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, Mexico and Colombia.

FIBA